With reasonable men, I will reason; with humane men I will…
“With reasonable men, I will reason; with humane men I will plead; but to tyrants I will give no quarter, nor waste arguments where they will certainly be lost.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He pledges to reason with reasonable people, plead to humane ones, but give no quarter to tyrants.
In simple terms: Reason with the reasonable, plead with the humane, refuse to argue with tyrants.
Stand firm against oppression.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political debate
- activism
- legal reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it wise to avoid futile arguments?
- How can one balance reason and moral urgency?