The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
Saul AlinskyRead
A free and open society is an ongoing conflict, interrupted periodically by compromises.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A free society thrives on continual debate and negotiation, which shape its evolution.
Saul Alinsky's quote highlights the inherent nature of a free and open society as being characterized by constant conflict over ideals, values, and governance. This ongoing struggle is interspersed with moments of compromise that allow society to move forward, reflecting that progress often requires balancing differing perspectives and interests to maintain freedom and openness.
Themes
FreedomSocietyCompromiseConflictGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the challenges of democratic governance in a political science class.
More from Saul Alinsky
All quotes βLest we forget at least an over the shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins - or which is which), the very first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom - Lucifer.
Saul AlinskyRead
The second rule is: Never go outside the experience of your people. When an action is outside the experience of the people, the result is confusion, fear, and retreat.
Saul AlinskyRead
The first step in community organization is community disorganization. The disruption of the present organization is the first step toward community organization. Present arrangements must be disorganized if they are to be displace by new patterns.... All change means disorganization of the old and organization of the new.
Saul AlinskyRead
The threat is generally more terrifying than the thing itself.
Saul AlinskyRead
Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules.
Saul AlinskyRead
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