Personally I do not resort to force - not even the force of law - to advance moral reforms. I prefer education, argument, persuasion, and above all the influence of example - of fashion. Until these resources are exhausted I would not think of force.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker prefers education and persuasion over force for achieving moral change.
- In plain terms
- Use education and examples not force for moral change.
- What can you take from it?
- Seek moral reform through persuasion and example rather than force.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is force ever justified for good?
- How do I change minds?
Another view
Persuasion may take too long to address urgent moral harms.
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