Who said “As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to…”?

Verified

Ernest Renan. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceOrlando, in Caliban, act 2, sc. 1 (1878).

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“As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.”
— Ernest Renan
VerifiedOrlando, in Caliban, act 2, sc. 1 (1878). · evidenceHeroes and Heroism

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Orlando, in Caliban, act 2, sc. 1 (1878)..

APA

Renan, E. (n.d.). As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2258-as-a-rule-all-heroism-is-due-to/

MLA

Renan, Ernest. “As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2258-as-a-rule-all-heroism-is-due-to/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Renan, Ernest. “As a rule, all heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2258-as-a-rule-all-heroism-is-due-to/.

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