The unprecedented critical lucidity of modern man is fused here with his equally unprecedented moral demands and produces an angry absolute individualism. But adjacent to this, the same fusion produces political teachings which sanction the total suppression of the individual. Scientific skepticism and moral perfectionism join forces then in a movement denouncing any appeal to moral ideals as futile and dishonest. Its perfectionism demands a total transformation of society; but this Utopian project is not allowed to declare itself. It conceals its moral motives by embodying them in a struggle for power, believed to bring about automatically the aims of utopia.

Wow, I am totally blown away by the quote above by Michael Polanyi. The quote is from his book titled: The Tacit Dimension (1966). I know there is no context provided but I think that is what makes it an incredible food for thought quote!

One day I might venture into unpacking this quote but that day is not near. I am afraid that I lack the eloquence to put in writing that which I believe Polanyi is saying 🙁 .