Those against politics are in favor of the politics inflicted upon them.
Interpretation
Avoiding political engagement leads to being subjected to the decisions made by others.
Bertolt Brecht's quote emphasizes the idea that those who choose to remain disengaged from political discourse and action ultimately allow others to make decisions that affect their lives. By not participating in politics, individuals inadvertently support the existing power structures and outcomes, even if they are detrimental to their own interests.
In practice
During a political debate, someone might use this quote to highlight the importance of civic engagement.
The shrill voices of those who give orders Are full of fear like the squeakings of Piglets awaiting the butcher's knife, as their fat arses Sweat with anxiety in their office chairs.... Fear rules not only those who are ruled, but The rulers too.
We need a type of theatre which not only releases the feelings, insights and impulses possible within the particular historical field of human relations in which the action takes place, but employs and encourages those thoughts and feelings which help transform the field itself.
We attacked a foreign people and treated them like rebels. As you know, it's all right to treat barbarians barbarically. It's the desire to be barbaric that makes governments call their enemies barbarians.
War is like love, it always finds a way.
Art is not a mirror held up to reality but a hammer with which to shape it.
Recently my fingers have developed a prejudice against comparatives. They all follow this pattern: a squirrel is smaller than a tree; a bird is more musical than a tree. Each of us is the strongest one in his or her own skin. Characteristics should take off their hats to one another, instead of spitting in each other's faces.
The depositary of power is always unpopular.
A Republic, if you can keep it.
Who do you think controls the Republican Party? Big money controls the Republican Party. This is where their campaign contributions come from.
Democracy is four wolves and a sheep voting on dinner.
Politics determines who has the power, not who has the truth.
We have been led to believe that we have come a long way toward world nuclear disarmament. But that is not the case. Our government is not doing all that it could. We must urge our leaders to fulfill the obligations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The United States must assume world leadership to end once and for all the threat of nuclear war. It is our moral responsibility.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.