Neither blows from pitchfork, nor from the lash, can make…
![“Neither blows from pitchfork, nor from the lash, can make him change his ways. [Fr., Coups de fourches ni d'etriveres, Ne lui font changer de manieres.]” quote by Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/edc/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_blow_neither-blows-from-pitchfork-nor-from-th_2840588.jpg)
“Neither blows from pitchfork, nor from the lash, can make him change his ways. [Fr., Coups de fourches ni d'etriveres, Ne lui font changer de manieres.]”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
External pressure cannot force a stubborn person to change; internal resolve is required.
In simple terms: People won’t change if they don’t want to.
Key Takeaway
Focus on influencing internal motivation.
Themes
stubbornness
influence
change
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
moral
didactic
When to use this quote
- political persuasion
- personal relationships
- habit formation
Key Concepts
psychology
willpower
resistance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you foster genuine internal change?
- What internal motivations can you appeal to?
A Different Perspective
Even strong external forces may be ignored if the person’s core beliefs stay firm.