Source: Propaganda (1928), p. 37 <!-- the first two sentences are very widely cited -->
Context: The conscious and intelligent manipulation of the organized habits and opinions of the masses is an important element in democratic society. Those who manipulate this unseen mechanism of society constitute an invisible government which is the true ruling power of our country. We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of. This is a logical result of the way in which our democratic society is organized. Vast numbers of human beings must cooperate in this manner if they are to live together as a smoothly functioning society.
“What is important will be manipulated by the government.”
Tullock challenges: happiness, revolutions, and democracy
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Gordon Tullock 6
American economist 1922–2014Related quotes
Source: Three “Whys” of the Russian Revolution (1995), p. 39
“Religions are manipulated in order to serve those who govern society and not the other way around.”
"Sex Is Politics" (1979)
1980s, The Second American Revolution (1983)
“Manipulated, one manipulates others.”
Source: Earthsea Books, The Other Wind (2001), Chapter 2 “Palaces” (p. 92)
Source: Public Finance - International Edition - Sixth Edition, Chapter 1, Introduction, p. 10
"Moods of Washington" (p.38)
So This Is Depravity (1980)
“The true manipulator never has a reputation for manipulating.”
"Claus von Bülow" (1983)
The Moronic Inferno and Other Visits to America (1986)
“All manipulation is just the fear of going straight for what a person wants and needs.”