Maxioms by Arthur Koestler
...the integrative tendencies of the individual are incomparably more dangerous than his self-assertive tendencies.
...the integrative tendencies of the individual are incomparably more dangerous than his self-assertive tendencies.
The continuous disasters of man's history are mainly due to his excessive capacity and urge to become identified with a read more
The continuous disasters of man's history are mainly due to his excessive capacity and urge to become identified with a tribe, nation, church or cause, and to espouse its credo uncritically and enthusiastically, even if its tenets are contrary to reason, devoid of self-interest and detrimental to the claims of self-preservation.We are thus driven to the unfashionable conclusion that the trouble with our species is not an excess of aggression, but an excess capacity for fanatical devotion.
...we are apt to forget that the vast majority of men and women who fell under the totalitarian spell was read more
...we are apt to forget that the vast majority of men and women who fell under the totalitarian spell was activated by unselfish motives, ready to accept the role of martyr or executioner, as the cause demanded.
The individual is not a killer, but the group is, and by identifying with it the individual is transformed into read more
The individual is not a killer, but the group is, and by identifying with it the individual is transformed into a killer.
...one of the tests of a theory is that, once grasped, it appears self-evident.
...one of the tests of a theory is that, once grasped, it appears self-evident.
