Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Education and gradual influence can be more deadly over time than a sudden violent act.
- In plain terms
- Slow, systematic teaching can have lasting harmful effects.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of ideas that spread subtly but persistently.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does gradual influence become harmful?
Another view
The metaphor may overstate the harm of education.
More from Samuel Langhorne Clemens
I haven't a particle of confidence in a man who has no redeeming petty vices.
Permalink to quote #7 Tomorrow night I appear for the first time before a Boston audience - 4000 critics.
Permalink to quote #9 I don't see no p'ints about that frog that's any better'n any other frog.
Permalink to quote #6
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