To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Generalized intelligence and mental alertness are the most powerful enemies of dictatorship and at the same time the basic conditions of effective democracy.
Interpretation
Intelligence and awareness play crucial roles in opposing dictatorship and fostering democracy.
In this quote, Aldous Huxley highlights the importance of generalized intelligence and mental alertness as essential tools for citizens to resist authoritarian rule. He suggests that an informed and aware populace is fundamental for a functioning democracy, as it empowers individuals to question and challenge oppressive regimes.
In practice
In a discussion on democracy, someone might reference this quote to emphasize the need for educated citizens.
To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs.
Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.
In the course of history many more people have died for their drink and their dope than have died for their religion or their country.
On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean.
No man ever dared to manifest his boredom so insolently as does a Siamese tomcat when he yawns in the face of his amorously importunate wife.
The leech's kiss, the squid's embrace, The prurient ape's defiling touch: And do you like the human race? No, not much.
Sickness, insanity and death were the angels that surrounded my cradle and they have followed me throughout my life.
Desire of having is the sin of covetousness.
The great corporations which we have grown to speak of rather loosely as trusts are the creatures of the State, and the State not only has the right to control them, but it is duty bound to control them wherever the need of such control is shown.
You and I are all as much continuous with the physical universe as a wave is continuous with the ocean.
Miracles can happen when we can keep our consciousness away from analyzing and classifying one another.
Anything important is never left to the vote of the people. We only get to vote on some man; we never get to vote on what he is to do.
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