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I am often asked the question How can the masses permit themselves to be exploited by the few. The answer is By being persuaded to identify with them.
E. L. Doctorow
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The masses may often support oppressive systems due to a misguided sense of identification with those in power.

E. L. Doctorow highlights a critical social observation about how the majority of people can fall victim to exploitation by a powerful minority. This exploitation occurs when individuals within the masses begin to identify with the values, desires, or perspectives of the elite, often at the expense of their own welfare. By aligning themselves psychologically with the interests of the few, the masses may willingly consent to their own subjugation without recognizing the manipulation at play.

Themes

ExploitationIdentityMassesPowerPerception

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture about democracy, you could quote this to discuss the relationship between leadership and the public.

More from E. L. Doctorow

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We are all good friends. Friendship is what endures. Shared ideals, respect for the whole character of a human being.
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I've known several cases of writers who decide to write about something and they research the hell out of it and when they're ready to write, they can't move because they are so burdened. I start writing. Whatever I need somehow comes to hand.
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