Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Johnson is so forceful that even if words fail, he uses physical force.
In plain terms
You cannot argue with Johnson; he wins by hitting you.
What can you take from it?
Recognize when words will not resolve a conflict.

Where it applies

  • debates
  • arguments
  • confrontations

Putting it to work

  • disengaging
  • choosing battles

Questions to consider

  • When do words fail?
  • How to handle aggression?

Another view

It treats violence as a valid argument.

More from Oliver Goldsmith

  1. Such dainties to them, their health it might hurt; It's like sending them ruffles, when wanting a shirt.

    Permalink to quote #3
  2. [To Mr. Johnson] If you were to make little fishes talk, they would talk like whales.

    Permalink to quote #5
  3. Men may be very learned, and yet very miserable; it is easy to be a deep geometrician, or a sublime astronomer, but very difficult to be a good man. I esteem, …

    Permalink to quote #2

Related quotes

  1. If it ever came down to exerting power by force, it would mean I'd already lost it.

    Lois McMaster BujoldLois McMaster Bujold quote #106
  2. This is brave Bear-Garden language!

    Jeremy CollierJeremy Collier quote #1
  3. I am making this statement as an act of wilful defiance of military authority, because I believe that the War is being deliberately prolonged by those who have…

    Siegfried SassoonSiegfried Sassoon quote #1