Lincoln's Lyceum Address

"Is it unreasonable, then, to expect that some man possessed of the loftiest genius, coupled with ambition sufficient to push it to its utmost stretch, will at some time spring up among us? And when such an one does, it will require the people to be united with each other, attached to the government and laws, and generally intelligent, to successfully frustrate his designs."

Originally posted by @js357
"Is it unreasonable, then, to expect that some man possessed of the loftiest genius, coupled with ambition sufficient to push it to its utmost stretch, will at some time spring up among us? And when such an one does, it will require the people to be united with each other, attached to the government and laws, and generally intelligent, to successfully frustrate his designs."

Why does it require the loftiest genius? Seems too high a bar, somehow.

Originally posted by @finnegan
Why does it require the loftiest genius? Seems too high a bar, somehow.

Given our sheep-like penchant for following buzzwords and hot button topics, I agree with your valuation.

That being said... there will come one of sublime personality, of unmitigated brilliance, of transcendent intelligence with the ability to will allegiance on a scale never before seen.
At first, he will inspire worship.
None will even want to resist.
As he unravels, he will demand it.

Originally posted by @freakykbh
Given our sheep-like penchant for following buzzwords and hot button topics, I agree with your valuation.

That being said... there will come one of sublime personality, of unmitigated brilliance, of transcendent intelligence with the ability to will allegiance on a scale never before seen.
At first, he will inspire worship.
None will even want to resist.
As he unravels, he will demand it.

For the record, I've never demanded worship here at RHP..............................yet anyway.

Originally posted by @finnegan
Why does it require the loftiest genius? Seems too high a bar, somehow.

"Genius" in the careful cultivation and exploitation of loyalty, is perhaps an example?

Originally posted by @js357
"Genius" in the careful cultivation and exploitation of loyalty, is perhaps an example?

We march at the side of our severe lord
Who carefully examines his fighters
No weeping keeps us back from following our star
No friend's arm and no bride's kiss.

Rejoicing we read in his glance
What he has foreseen for us in his waking dream
Whether his raised or down-turned thumb
Will command honour or dark retreat

We receive as a loan from his hand
What delights, glorifies and delivers us
And if he gives the sign we are strong and proud and ready
To go out into night and death for his glory

...

You speak of delights that I do not desire
In me love resides for my master
You know only the sweet love - I the noble one -
I live for my noble master.