I knew A.J. Muste very well. I tried for a while to be…
![“I knew A.J. Muste very well. I tried for a while to be like he was, and that is a total pacifist. But then Margot [my wife] hit me hard in the stomach one day to prove to me that I wasn't as perfect a pacifist as I thought I was.” quote by Nat Hentoff](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/0f7/nat-hentoff-1615_hard_i-knew-a-j-muste-very-well-i-tried-for-a_782398.png)
“I knew A.J. Muste very well. I tried for a while to be like he was, and that is a total pacifist. But then Margot [my wife] hit me hard in the stomach one day to prove to me that I wasn't as perfect a pacifist as I thought I was.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Attempting perfect pacifism is challenged by personal pain, revealing the difficulty of maintaining absolute nonviolence.
In simple terms: Perfect pacifism is hard when hurt.
Key Takeaway
Accept imperfection in ideals.
Themes
pacifism
humanity
conflict
personal growth
idealism
Mood
introspective
serious
Type
ethical
personal
When to use this quote
- peace activism
- conflict resolution training
- personal reflection on trauma
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Moral philosophy
psychology of violence
Questions to Reflect On
- Can one remain nonviolent when faced with aggression?
- What compromises are acceptable in pacifist practice?
A Different Perspective
Violence may be unavoidable in self-defense or protecting others.