An attempt to achieve the good by force is like an attempt…
“An attempt to achieve the good by force is like an attempt to provide a man with a picture gallery at the price of cutting out his eyes.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Using force to achieve good is as absurd as giving a man a gallery while blinding him.
In simple terms: Forceful good is self‑defeating.
Key Takeaway
Avoid coercive solutions.
Themes
ethics
force
good
paradox
Mood
critical
philosophical
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political policy
- leadership decisions
- social engineering
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
individual rights
philosophical critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Is good ever justified through force?
- What alternatives exist to coercion?
A Different Perspective
Force may produce unintended harm.