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About this quote

What does it mean?
True motivation and character traits must be earned through inspiration, not coercion.
In plain terms
You can't force someone to care; you have to inspire them.
What can you take from it?
Inspire people instead of trying to force them.

Where it applies

  • management
  • parenting
  • education

Putting it to work

  • lead by example
  • create vision
  • respect autonomy

Questions to consider

  • How do you inspire others?
  • When have you felt forced to change?

Another view

Some structures require enforcement before inspiration can take root.

More from Alfred Whitney Griswold

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  2. It is a barren kind of criticism which tells you what a thing is not.

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  3. A Socrates in every classroom.

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