Skip to content

The best way of preventing violence does not consist in…

“The best way of preventing violence does not consist in forbidding objects, or even rivalistic desire, as the tenth commandment does, but in offering to people the model that will protect them from mimetic rivalries rather than involving them in these rivalries.” quote by René Girard
Download Open image
““The best way of preventing violence does not consist in forbidding objects, or even rivalistic desire, as the tenth commandment does, but in offering to people the model that will protect them from mimetic rivalries rather than involving them in these rivalries.””

René Girard

About This Quote

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

Violence is best curbed by offering protective models, not by banning objects or desires.

In simple terms: Provide protective models to prevent violence.

Key Takeaway

Adopt inclusive protective frameworks.

Themes

peace violence prevention social theory

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • policy design
  • community programs
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

mimetic rivalry protective institutions social cohesion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What protective models can replace punitive measures?
  • How do rivalries arise in societies?
A Different Perspective

Models may be hard to implement universally.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by René Girard

Explore all 71 René Girard quotes

More Commandment quotes

Browse all 211 Commandment quotes