It is funny that men who are supposed to be scientific cannot get themselves to realize the basic principle of physics, that action and reaction are equal and opposite, that when you persecute people you always rouse them to be strong and stronger.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stein uses physics to argue that persecution backfires, making victims stronger due to equal and opposite reaction.
- In plain terms
- Persecution makes people stronger, like action and reaction in physics.
- What can you take from it?
- Oppression can strengthen those it targets.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does oppression strengthen resistance?
- What happens when you fight back?
Another view
Some groups may be crushed rather than strengthened.
More from Gertrude Stein
The idea of enemies is awful it makes one stop remembering eternity and the fear of death. That is what enemies are. Possessions are the same as enemies only l…
Permalink to quote #105 The nineteenth century believed in science but the twentieth century does not.
Permalink to quote #107 Even the propagandists on the radio find it very difficult to really say let alone believe that the world will be a happy place, of love and peace and plenty, …
Permalink to quote #104
Related quotes
Oh who is that young sinner with the handcuffs on his wrists? And what has he been after that they groan and shake their fists? And wherefore is he wearing suc…
A. E. HousmanA. E. Housman quote #8 The tyranny of some is possible only through the cowardice of others.
Jose RizalJose Rizal quote #24 Mankind can hardly be too often reminded, that there was once a man named Socrates, between whom and the legal authorities and public opinion of his time, ther…
John Stuart MillJohn Stuart Mill quote #30