Quote by John Jay Chapman

The average educated man in America has about as much knowledge of what a political idea is as he has of the principles of counterpoint. Each is a thing used in politics or music which those fellows who practice politics or music manipulate somehow. Show him one and he will deny that it is politics at all. It must be corrupt or he will not recognize it. He has only seen dried figs. He has only thought dried thoughts. A live thought or a real idea is against the rules of his mind.


The average educated man in America has about as much knowle

Summary

This quote suggests that the average educated American lacks a true understanding of political ideas, viewing them as manipulated tools rather than genuine concepts. The quote implies that such individuals dismiss anything political unless it conforms to their preconceived notions of corruption. The author asserts that their perspective is limited, as they have not experienced "live thoughts" or genuine ideas, instead being confined to rigid and stagnant thinking processes. Overall, the quote criticizes the shallow comprehension and closed-mindedness of the average educated American regarding political ideas.

Topics

Politics
By John Jay Chapman
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