If I was wrong in yielding to persuasion once, remember…
“If I was wrong in yielding to persuasion once, remember that it was to persuasion exerted on the side of safety, not of risk. When I yielded, I thought it was to duty; but no duty could be called in aid here. In marrying a man indifferent to me, all risk would have been incurred and all duty violated.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Yielding to persuasion can be justified when it protects safety, not when it compromises personal duty or values.
In simple terms: Sometimes you obey to stay safe, not because it’s right.
Key Takeaway
Weigh safety against personal integrity before complying.
Themes
safety
duty
persuasion
personal integrity
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- making a marriage decision
- accepting a risky offer
- standing up to authority
Key Concepts
moral calculus
self‑preservation
social pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- When does safety become an excuse?
- What duties are non‑negotiable?
A Different Perspective
The notion of “safety” can mask selfish motives.