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.
Source: Orlando, in Caliban, act 2, sc. 1.
-- Ernest Renan, (Feb 28 1823-1892), French philosopher, historian, scholar; He was a leader of the school of critical philosophy in France.