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can't withstand thee, then, old man. Not reasoning; not…

“can't withstand thee, then, old man. Not reasoning; not remonstrance; not entreaty wilt thou hearken to; all this thou scornest. Flat obedience to thy own flat commands, this is all thou breathest.” quote by Herman Melville
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““can't withstand thee, then, old man. Not reasoning; not remonstrance; not entreaty wilt thou hearken to; all this thou scornest. Flat obedience to thy own flat commands, this is all thou breathest.””

Herman Melville

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Condemns blind obedience and lack of reasoned dialogue.

In simple terms: Rejects unthinking compliance.

Key Takeaway

Seek reasoned discourse.

Themes

authority obedience reasoning

Mood

critical defiant

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • personal relationships
  • organizational hierarchy
  • political debate

Key Concepts

Power dynamics communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is obedience necessary?
  • How to balance authority and reasoning?
A Different Perspective

May overlook constructive obedience.

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