Only liars manage to always be out during bad times and in during good times.
Bernard BaruchRead
So efficient are the available instruments of slavery; fingerprints, lie detectors, brain washings, gas chambers; that we shiver at the thought of political change which might put these instruments in the hands of men of hate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the dangers of powerful tools used for oppression and the fear of such tools falling into the wrong hands.
Bernard Baruch's quote addresses the alarming efficiency of various tools used to enforce slavery and control, such as fingerprints, lie detectors, and other methods of coercion. The underlying message is a cautionary one, emphasizing the potential consequences of political change that could result in these powerful instruments being utilized by those who harbor malicious intent. It serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibility that comes with such technologies in the context of governance and societal structure.
Themes
SlaveryPolitical ChangePowerInstrumentsHate
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the ethical implications of surveillance technologies.
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I was the son of an immigrant. I experienced bigotry, intolerance and prejudice, even as so many of you have. Instead of allowing these thing to embitter me, I took them as spurs to more strenuous effort. .
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