There is no arguing with the pretenders to a divine knowledge and to a divine mission. They are possessed with the sin of pride, they have yielded to the perennial temptation.

The quote by Walter Lippmann, “There is no arguing with the pretenders to a divine knowledge and to a divine mission. They are possessed with the sin of pride, they have yielded to the perennial temptation,” addresses the dangers of arrogance and self-righteousness in claiming authority or insight. Lippmann suggests that those who falsely claim divine knowledge or purpose are driven by pride, making rational discussion or persuasion impossible. Their certainty is not grounded in truth but in a personal temptation to elevate themselves above others.

Lippmann, an influential 20th-century American journalist and political commentator, often explored themes of public opinion, media influence, and human behavior. In this quote, he critiques those who assert moral or spiritual authority without true understanding, emphasizing the human tendency toward pride and the seductive lure of presenting oneself as infallible. His observation reflects his broader concern with critical thinking and skepticism in evaluating claims of ultimate knowledge or purpose.

The origin of this quote lies in Lippmann’s writings on the relationship between human nature, authority, and belief. By highlighting the “perennial temptation” of pride, he warns of the persistent challenge posed by those who claim special insight. Such individuals, according to Lippmann, cannot be reasoned with through ordinary discourse because their certainty is rooted in ego rather than genuine knowledge or understanding.

Ultimately, Lippmann’s insight reminds us to approach claims of absolute knowledge or moral authority with caution. The quote underscores the dangers of pride and self-deception, emphasizing the importance of humility, critical thinking, and discernment when evaluating those who assert extraordinary insight or missions. It serves as a caution against blind trust in purportedly infallible figures.