The most extravagant idea that can be born in the head of a political thinker is to believe that it suffices for people to enter, weapons in hand, among a foreign people and expect to have its laws and constitution embraced. No one loves armed missionaries; the first lesson of nature and prudence is to repulse them as enemies.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A political thinker who thinks force can be imposed by armed outsiders is naïve; history shows such forces are rejected as enemies.
- In plain terms
- Forceful intrusion is ineffective.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek consent, not coercion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do leaders still choose force?
- What alternatives exist to armed intervention?
Another view
Sometimes force is used despite its moral failings.
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