You are not obliged to assault people with discourses that…
““You are not obliged to assault people with discourses that are out of their road, when you see that their received notions must prevent your making an impression upon them: you ought rather to cast about and to manage things with all the dexterity in your power, so that, if you are not able to make them go well, they may be as little ill as possible; for, except all men were good, everything cannot be right, and that is a blessing that I do not at present hope to see.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Adapt communication to others' understanding; if you cannot persuade, aim to minimize harm.
In simple terms: Speak in ways they can grasp; avoid causing damage.
Key Takeaway
Tailor your message to the audience.
Themes
communication
ethics
persuasion
Mood
thoughtful
pragmatic
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- teaching
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- negotiation
Key Concepts
rhetoric
human nature
compassion
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you convey ideas without alienating listeners?
- When is it better to stay silent?
A Different Perspective
If everyone were good, all would be right, but that is unrealistic.