Quote by Aleister Crowley

The greatest horrors in the history of mankind are not due to the ambition of the Napoleons or the vengeance of the Agamemnons, but to the doctrinaire philosophers. The theories of the sentimentalist Rousseau inspired the integrity of the passionless Robespierre. The cold-blooded calculations of Karl Marx led to the judicial and business-like operations of the Cheka.

The greatest horrors in the history of mankind are not due t

Summary

This quote suggests that the most horrific events in human history were not caused by ambitious leaders or individuals seeking vengeance, but rather by philosophical ideologues. The sentimentalist theories of Rousseau influenced the passionless actions of Robespierre during the French Revolution, while Karl Marx's calculations laid the groundwork for the systematic and business-like operations of the Cheka, the Soviet secret police. The quote highlights the destructive power of ideologies implemented by intellectuals, indicating that theories disconnected from compassion and practicality can have devastating consequences on society.

Topics

Principles

By Aleister Crowley

Liked the quote? Share it with your friends.

Random Quotations

As you change your thoughts and your mental vision, you are

As you change your thoughts and your mental vision, you are changing your reality.

Inspirational Motivational Quotes

Through the years I have received my share of recognition fo

Through the years I have received my share of recognition for efforts in the fields of sports, the arts, the struggle for full citizenship for the Negro people, labor's rights and the fight for peace.

Peace

Becoming a father, I think it inevitably changes your perspe

Becoming a father, I think it inevitably changes your perspective of life. I don't get nearly enough sleep. And the simplest things in life are completely satisfying. I find you don't have to do as much, like you don't go on as many outings.

Truth

The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you a

The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.

Sir Winston Churchill

Prophecy

If you think you don't want to play another psychopath, but

If you think you don't want to play another psychopath, but the script is amazing, and the director is fantastic, and the story is incredible, then you may end up playing your third psychopath in a row.

Amazing

The trouble with young writers is that they are all in their

The trouble with young writers is that they are all in their sixties.

W. Somerset Maugham

Authors & Writing

I guess I'm pretty much of a lone wolf. I don't say I don't

I guess I'm pretty much of a lone wolf. I don't say I don't like people at all, but, to tell you the truth, I only like it then if I have a chance to look deep into their hearts and their minds.

Truth

Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get th

Success is a science; if you have the conditions, you get the result.

Science already contained all that was necessary, if you jus

Science already contained all that was necessary, if you just brought it out.

Science

The world of politics is always twenty years behind the worl

The world of politics is always twenty years behind the world of thought.

John Jay Chapman

Politics

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you,

A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you, and were helped by you, will remember you when forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts, and not on marble.

C. H. (Charles Haddon) Spurgeon

I've never seen an obese person who has said, 'I am well in

I've never seen an obese person who has said, 'I am well in my mind.' Happiness stops food being a compensation.

Happiness