As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.
More Quotes from Ernest Renan:
The liberty of the individual is a necessary postulate of human progress.Ernest Renan
The greatest men of a nation are those it puts to death.
Ernest Renan
Religion is not a popular error; it is a great instinctive truth, sensed by the people, expressed by the people.
Ernest Renan
The simplest schoolboy is now familiar with truths for which Archimedes would have sacrificed his life.
Ernest Renan
To conceive the good, in fact, is not sufficient; it must be made to succeed among men. To accomplish this less pure paths must be followed.
Ernest Renan
I can die when I wish to: that is my elixir of life.
Ernest Renan
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