Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Chris Hedges

Quote by Chris Hedges

“The corporations that profit from permanent war need us to be afraid. Fear stops us from objecting to government spending on a bloated military. Fear means we will not ask unpleasant questions of those in power. Fear permits the government to operate in secret. Fear means we are willing to give up our rights and liberties for promises of security. The imposition of fear ensures that the corporations that wrecked the country cannot be challenged. Fear keeps us penned in like livestock.”

Quote by Chris Hedges

Work

Death of the Liberal Class

This book delves into the transformation of the political landscape, analyzing the factors contributing to the waning influence of the liberal political establishment. more

Author

Chris Hedges
Chris Hedges

Chris Hedges is an American author, journalist, and activist renowned for his incisive critique of American politics and society. He specializes in examining issues such as corporate power, social inequality, and the consequences of war. Hedges has penned several notable books, such as 'War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning' and 'American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America'. He has contributed to various publications, including The New York Times and The Nation. more

You May Also Like

“In the beginning war looks and feels like love. But unlike love it gives nothing in return but an ever-deepening dependence, like all narcotics, on the road to self-destruction. It does not affirm but places upon us greater and greater demands. It destroys the outside world until it is hard to live outside war's grip. It takes a higher and higher dose to achieve any thrill. Finally, one ingests war only to remain numb.”

“Washington has become our Versailles. We are ruled, entertained, and informed by courtiers -- and the media has evolved into a class of courtiers. The Democrats, like the Republicans, are mostly courtiers. Our pundits and experts, at least those with prominent public platforms, are courtiers. We are captivated by the hollow stagecraft of political theater as we are ruthlessly stripped of power. It is smoke and mirrors, tricks and con games, and the purpose behind it is deception.”

“Most of these students are so conditioned to success that they become afraid to take risks. They have been taught from a young age by zealous parents, schools, and institutional authorities what constitutes failure and success. They are socialized to obey. They obsess over grades and seek to please professors, even if what professors teach is fatuous. The point is to get ahead, and getting ahead means deference to authority. Challenging authority is never a career advancer.”