I believe that the entire effort of modern society should be concentrated on the endeavor to outlaw war as a method of the solution of problems between nations.
Douglas MacarthurRead
Our government has kept us in a perpetual state of fear - kept us in a continuous stampede of patriotic fervor - with the cry of grave national emergency. Always there has been some terrible evil at home or some monstrous foreign power that was going to gobble us up if we did not blindly rally behind it by furnishing the exorbitant funds demanded. Yet, in retrospect, these disasters seem never to have happened, seem never to have been quite real.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote criticizes how governments manipulate public fear to maintain control and justify their demands.
Douglas MacArthur's quote highlights the tendency of governments to create a climate of fear among citizens, framing various situations as national emergencies to compel support and funding. He suggests that many of these supposed threats have turned out to be exaggerated or nonexistent, indicating a manipulation of public sentiment for political ends.
Themes
FearGovernmentManipulationNational EmergencyControl
In practice
Example use cases
In a political debate highlighting government overreach.
More from Douglas Macarthur
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We are not retreating - we are advancing in another direction.
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A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.
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No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.
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