Great advantage is drawn from knowledge of your adversary, and when you know the measure of his intelligence and character, you can use it to play on his weakness.
Frederick The GreatRead
Religion is the idol of the mob; it adores everything it does not understand.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that religion is often embraced by the masses out of fear or misunderstanding rather than true comprehension.
Frederick The Great's quote highlights how religion can serve as a focal point for societal beliefs, often adopted uncritically by the 'mob' or masses. In this light, the phrase critiques the tendency for individuals to venerate what they do not fully understand, positioning religion not as a source of enlightenment, but as an idol that individuals cling to in times of uncertainty.
Themes
ReligionUnderstandingMob MentalityFaithPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
Discussing the role of religion in society during a philosophy class.
More from Frederick The Great
All quotes →It seems to me that man is made to act rather than to know: the principles of things escape our most persevering researches.
Frederick The GreatRead
I begin by taking. I shall find scholars later to demonstrate my perfect right.
Frederick The GreatRead
No government can exist without taxation. The money must necessarily be levied on the people; and the grand art consists of levying so as not to oppress.
Frederick The GreatRead
It is pardonable to be defeated, but never to be surprised.
Frederick The GreatRead
I love opposition that has convictions.
Frederick The GreatRead
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