This meme originates from a poignant quote often associated with author and podcaster Michael Malice, delivering a sharp rebuttal to the naive assumption that modern governments are incapable of unethical behavior or extreme overreach. It typically features a speaker delivering the line with absolute certainty, making it a favorite for history buffs and skeptics alike. Users usually pair this template with specific historical events—like Project MKUltra or the Tuskegee Study—to serve as a reality check against historical revisionism. The meme has become a staple in online discourse for highlighting the discrepancy between public trust and documented historical records.