[I]t's not enough to be right. I think you have to be…
![“[I]t's not enough to be right. I think you have to be generous. It's not enough to be logical. You have to be virtuous...[Y]our demeanor will carry your message, perhaps, even further than your words will...[P]eople don't just disagree with us. Many of them genuinely think that we are evil, and…” quote by Jared Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/481/jared-taylor-14340_generosity_i-t-s-not-enough-to-be-right-i-think-you_2847638.jpg)
““[I]t's not enough to be right. I think you have to be generous. It's not enough to be logical. You have to be virtuous...[Y]our demeanor will carry your message, perhaps, even further than your words will...[P]eople don't just disagree with us. Many of them genuinely think that we are evil, and when people think you're evil, I don't think they listen very carefully to your words. They search your manner. They look for the slightest excuse to ignore all your impregnable arguments, all of your carefully-marshaled facts, and that's why we must never be mean-spirited or angry or petulant, or dismissive of the interest of others. I believe rudeness and arrogance, they would drive people away, that would only confirm their own prejudices. It's the excuse they're desperate for to walk away smug and happy and say 'these people are just small-minded angry bigots.' Our opponents don't recognize our good faith, but -and this is a hard thing- I think we must try our best to recognize their good faith...You can't expect them to recognize our good intentions unless we are willing to recognize theirs.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Effective persuasion requires generosity and virtue, not just logical arguments; demeanor influences how messages are received, especially when opponents view you negatively.
In simple terms: Being kind and virtuous matters more than being right.
Key Takeaway
Show humility and recognize others' good faith.
Themes
communication
ethics
persuasion
empathy
conflict resolution
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
hopeful
Type
advice
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- political debate
- online discussions
- negotiations
- team meetings
- public speaking
Key Concepts
Virtue ethics
rhetoric
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you demonstrate good faith when others seem hostile?
- What small gestures can soften a contentious conversation?
A Different Perspective
If you are too forceful, you may reinforce opponents' bias and alienate them.