"The worst enemy of life, freedom and the common decencies is total anarchy; their second worst enemy is total efficiency"
- Aldous Huxley
About this Quote
This quote by Aldous Huxley speaks to the idea that too much of anything can be detrimental. Overall anarchy, or an absence of guidelines and regulations, can lead to chaos and destruction. On the other hand, total performance can lead to an absence of imagination and uniqueness. Both extremes can be damaging to life, liberty, and the typical decencies. Huxley is suggesting that a balance between the 2 is required in order to preserve a healthy society. Too much anarchy can result in an absence of safety and security, while excessive efficiency can lead to a lack of flexibility and creativity. A balance between the two is needed in order to guarantee that life, flexibility, and the common decencies are protected.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"