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

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