“Our government has kept us in a perpetual state of fear – kept us in a continuous stampede of patriotic fervor – with the cry of grave national emergency.”
- January 26, 1880 – April 5, 1964
- American
- General of the Army, Military Leader, Supreme Commander in the Pacific Theater during World War II
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Quote
“Our government has kept us in a perpetual state of fear – kept us in a continuous stampede of patriotic fervor – with the cry of grave national emergency.”
Explanation
In this quote, MacArthur issues a blunt criticism of government manipulation, arguing that fear has been deliberately sustained to mobilize public emotion and justify extraordinary policies. The phrase “perpetual state of fear” implies that citizens are kept anxious and reactive, unable to engage in reasoned civic discourse. By coupling this fear with a “stampede of patriotic fervor,” he highlights how emotional nationalism is used to stifle dissent and rally unquestioning support, often under the vague justification of a “grave national emergency.”
This quote likely reflects MacArthur’s observations during the Cold War era, when anti-communist sentiment, nuclear threat rhetoric, and loyalty campaigns created an atmosphere of constant tension and suspicion. It also reflects a broader concern about the use of fear as a political tool, where democratic processes can be undermined by appeals to survival and urgency. In essence, MacArthur warns that fear-based governance can erode rational debate, civil liberties, and accountability.
In today’s world, the quote remains deeply relevant in conversations about security, propaganda, and the role of media and government in shaping public perception. It reminds us to be vigilant against emotional manipulation and to question whether national emergencies are being invoked to protect the public—or to concentrate power. MacArthur’s insight underscores the idea that true patriotism lies not in blind obedience, but in informed and courageous citizenship.
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