If those in charge of our society – politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television – can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.
Meaning of the quote
The quote suggests that the people in power, such as politicians, business leaders, and media owners, can control what we think and believe. This means they won't need to use force or have police on the streets to keep their power. Instead, we will control our own thoughts and actions, which will allow them to stay in charge without needing to use violence or force.
About Howard Zinn
Howard Zinn was an influential American historian, philosopher, and activist who wrote the best-selling book ‘A People’s History of the United States.’ He was known for his socialist and anti-war views, and he played a significant role in the civil rights and anti-war movements.
More quotes from Howard Zinn
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.
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War itself is the enemy of the human race.
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There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
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In the United States today, the Declaration of Independence hangs on schoolroom walls, but foreign policy follows Machiavelli.
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If the gods had intended for people to vote, they would have given us candidates.
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If those in charge of our society – politicians, corporate executives, and owners of press and television – can dominate our ideas, they will be secure in their power. They will not need soldiers patrolling the streets. We will control ourselves.
American historian, playwright, and socialist thinker
When people don’t understand that the government doesn’t have their interests in mind, they’re more susceptible to go to war.
American historian, playwright, and socialist thinker
Most wars, after all, present themselves as humanitarian endeavors to help people.
American historian, playwright, and socialist thinker
Americans have been taught that their nation is civilized and humane. But, too often, U.S. actions have been uncivilized and inhumane.
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One certain effect of war is to diminish freedom of expression.
American historian, playwright, and socialist thinker
We need to decide that we will not go to war, whatever reason is conjured up by the politicians or the media, because war in our time is always indiscriminate, a war against innocents, a war against children.
American historian, playwright, and socialist thinker