Quote by Herbert Hoover, The Challenge to

Thus the scene of the tragedy of Liberty world over must be suffering and discontent among the people. The drama moves swiftly in a torrent of words in which real purposes are disguised in portrayals of Utopia; idealism without realism; slogans, phrases and statements destructive to confidence in existing institutions; demands for violent action against slowly curable ills; unfair representation that sporadic wickedness is the system itself; searing prejudice against the former order; dismay and panic in the economic organization which feeds on its own despair. Emotions rise above reason. The man on horseback, ascending triumphantly to office on the steps of constitutional process, demands and threatens the parliament into the delegation of its sacred power. Then follows consolidation of authority through powerful propaganda in the pay of the state to transform the mentality of the people. Resentment of criticism, denunciation of all opposition, moral terrorization, all follow in sequence. The last scene is the suppression of freedom. Liberty dies of the water from her own well- free speech- poisoned by untruth. In the Epilogue the dreams of those who saw Utopia are shattered and the people find they are marching backward toward the Middle Ages- as regimented men.

Summary

This quote conveys a warning about the potential dangers and consequences of the tragedy of liberty being played out. It suggests that this tragedy unfolds through a combination of suffering and discontent among the people, disguised utopian ideals, destructive rhetoric, violent calls for change, unfair representation, economic despair, and the rise of emotions over reason. The quote also discusses the ascent of authoritarian figures who manipulate constitutional processes and consolidate their power through propaganda and suppressing freedom. Ultimately, it warns that liberty is undermined from within, leading to a regression in society and a loss of individual freedoms.