The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
Saul AlinskyRead
Mankind has been and is divided into three parts: the Haves, the Have-Nots, and the Have-a-Little, Want Mores.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Saul Alinsky's quote highlights the social and economic disparities among people, categorizing them into different groups based on their wealth and desires.
In this quote, Alinsky reflects on the inherent inequalities within society by dividing people into three distinct categories related to their material wealth and aspirations. The 'Haves' represent those who possess substantial resources, the 'Have-Nots' are those lacking basic necessities, and the 'Have-a-Little, Want Mores' groups those who, despite having some resources, are never satisfied and continuously seek more. This categorization prompts a deeper reflection on human behavior, the socio-economic structures in place, and the ongoing struggle between different socio-economic classes.
Themes
SocietyWealthInequalityClassesAspiration
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about economic inequality, one could use this quote to illustrate the division in society.
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.
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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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