Democracy divides people into workers and loafers. It makes no provision for those who have no time to work.
Karl KrausRead
To me all men are equal: there are jackasses everywhere, and I have the same contempt for them all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the idea that people are judged equally, regardless of their status, revealing a universal disdain for mediocrity.
Karl Kraus's statement emphasizes that he sees all individuals as equal, highlighting his disdain for foolishness found in all walks of life. The quote suggests that intelligence, integrity, or lack thereof are not confined to social classes, portraying a strong contempt for ignorance regardless of its source. It reflects the idea that human flaws are universally present, and Kraus applies the same standard of judgment to everyone.
Themes
EqualityContemptIgnoranceJudgmentHuman Nature
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on equality in society, this quote can be used to emphasize the universal flaws in human character.
More from Karl Kraus
All quotes βThe mission of the press is to spread culture while destroying the attention span.
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War: first, one hopes to win; then one expects the enemy to lose; then, one is satisfied that he too is suffering; in the end, one is surprised that everyone has lost.
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Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match.
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Experiences are savings which a miser puts aside. Wisdom is an inheritance which a wastrel cannot exhaust.
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Sexuality poorly repressed unsettles some families; well repressed, it unsettles the whole world.
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