The worth of men consists in their liability to…
“The worth of men consists in their liability to persuasion. . . . Civilisation is the maintenance of social order, by its own inherent persuasiveness as embodying the nobler alternative. The recourse to force, however unavoidable, is a disclosure of the failure of civilisation, either in the general society or in a remnant of individuals. Thus in a live civilisation there is always an element of unrest. For sensitiveness to ideas means curiosity, adventure, change. Civilised order survives on its merits, and is transformed by its power of Recognizing its imperfections.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Civilisation relies on persuasion; force signals its failure, yet unrest fuels curiosity and progress.
In simple terms: Civilisation works through persuasion; force shows its limits.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate persuasive dialogue, avoid force.
Themes
civilisation
persuasion
force
unrest
curiosity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- organizational change
- education reform
- community building
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
process philosophy
social order
imperfection
transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies address unrest without resorting to force?
- What role does curiosity play in improving civil order?
A Different Perspective
Force may be necessary but can erode trust and legitimacy.