The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
Saul AlinskyRead
One acts decisively only in the conviction that all the angels are on one side and all the devils on the other.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Decisive action often stems from a strong belief in the righteousness of one's stance.
This quote by Saul Alinsky highlights that decisive action is typically motivated by a firm conviction that one's cause is morally right and just. It suggests that when individuals believe they have the support of 'angels' on one side and 'devils' on the other, they are more likely to take bold steps, underscoring the importance of conviction in achieving meaningful outcomes.
Themes
DecisiveConvictionActionMoralityBelief
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech, one might say, 'Remember, we act decisively when we believe in our cause, as Alinsky pointed out.'
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.
Saul AlinskyRead
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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