The world is made up for the most part of morons and natural tyrants, sure of themselves, strong in their own opinions, never doubting anything.
Interpretation
This quote critiques the ignorance and arrogance in human nature, suggesting many people blindly hold strong opinions without questioning them.
Clarence Darrow's quote reflects on the human tendency to exhibit certainty in knowledge and belief, often leading to unchallenged and flawed perspectives. It highlights a societal issue where individuals may act tyrannically due to their unwavering self-assurance, suggesting that critical thinking and doubt are essential for personal growth and societal betterment.
In practice
In a debate about political ideologies, one might cite this quote to emphasize the importance of critical thinking.
With all their faults, trade unions have done more for humanity than any other organization of men that ever existed. They have done more for decency, for honesty, for education, for the betterment of the race, for the developing of character in men, than any other association of men.
Do I need to argue to Your Honor that cruelty only breeds cruelty? That hatred only causes hatred; that if there is any way to soften this human heart which is hard enough at its best, if there is any way to kill evil and hatred and all that goes with it, it is not through evil and hatred and cruelty; it is through charity, and love, and understanding?
Chase after the truth like all hell.
No other offense has ever been visited with such severe penalties as seeking to help the oppressed.
Liberty is the most jealous and exacting mistress that can beguile the brain and soul of man. She will have nothing from him who will not give her all. She knows that his pretended love serves but to betray. But when once the fierce heat of her quenchless, lustrous eyes have burned into the victim's heart, he will know no other smile but hers.
The trouble with law is lawyers.
It is perfectly possible to live a very moral life without a belief in God, and I think it's perfectly possible to live a life peppered with ill-doing and believe in God.
A simple man with Scripture has more authority than the Pope or a council.
And I think, on the other end, there were actors who were not as good as I was, perhaps who could have hung in too, but began to blame everything on race.
'Therefore' is a word the poet must not know.
In times of widespread chaos and confusion, it has been the duty of more advanced human beings--artists, scientists, clowns and philosophers--to create order. In times such as ours, however, when there is too much order, too much management, too much programming and control, it becomes the duty of superior men and women to fling their favorite monkey wrenches into the machinery. To relive the repression of the human spirit, they must sow doubt and disruption.
No being can be what he is unless he is putting his essence into action in his field.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.