Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Since inequalities of privilege are greater than could possibly be defended rationally, the intelligence of privileged groups is usually applied to the task of inventing specious proofs for the theory that universal values spring from, and that general interests are served by, the special privileges which they hold.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The privileged often justify their status by claiming it benefits everyone, even when this is not rational.
This quote highlights the tendency of privileged groups to rationalize their advantages by creating arguments that suggest their special privileges are in the interest of the greater good. It criticizes the intellectual efforts used to support inequality, suggesting that these justifications are more about maintaining power than about serving universal values or interests.
Themes
InequalityPrivilegeRationalizationValuesIntelligenceSocial Justice
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on social justice, one might refer to this quote to emphasize the need for critical examination of privilege.
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
All quotes →The tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
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The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
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All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
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Forgiveness is the final form of love.
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God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
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