We ought not to extract pernicious honey from poison blossoms of misrepresentation and mendacious half-truth, to pamper the course appetite of bigotry and self-love.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fear-driven decisions in politics often lead to foolish outcomes.
This quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge suggests that when political actions are motivated by fear, they tend to result in irrational or unwise conclusions. It highlights the dangers of allowing fear to drive decision-making processes that should instead be based on reasoned judgment and understanding.
Themes
FearPoliticsFollyDecision-MakingWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about immigration policy, this quote could illustrate why fear-based rhetoric leads to ineffective laws.
More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge
All quotes βCommon sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread, For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise.
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Often do the spirits stride on before the event; and in today already walks tomorrow.
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Mr. Lyell's system of geology is just half the truth, and no more. He affirms a great deal that is true, and he denies a great deal which is equally true; which is the general characteristic of all systems not embracing the whole truth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
To believe and to understand are not diverse things, but the same things in different periods of growth.
Samuel Taylor ColeridgeRead
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