An honest man, like the true religion, appeals to the understanding, or modestly confides in the internal evidence of his conscience. The imposter employes force instead of argument, imposes silence where he cannot convince, and propagates his character by the sword.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Honest people rely on reason and conscience, while imposters use force and silence to spread their influence.
- In plain terms
- Good people use logic and conscience, while fakes use force and silence to win followers.
- What can you take from it?
- Truth appeals to reason; deception relies on force and silence.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you spot an imposter?
- Why do imposters use force?
Another view
Reason may fail when audiences prefer force or spectacle.
More from Junius
The injustice done to an individual is sometimes of service to the public. Facts are apt to alarm us more than the most dangerous principles.
Permalink to quote #13 The government of England is a government of law. We betray ourselves, we contradict the spirit of our laws, and we shake the whole system of English jurisprud…
Permalink to quote #15 We lament the mistakes of a good man, and do not begin to detest him until he affects to renounce his principles.
Permalink to quote #12
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