Behavior Quote by Charlie Munger
“A few public hangings will really change behavior. One of our Presidents said if he could execute three people each year for no cause, it would make it a lot easier to govern. When someone said that's not enough, he said, "Oh yes it is, because I'd publish the list of people under consideration."”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Business Ethics Discussion, 2018
Public executions are proposed as a deterrent, but moral and practical issues outweigh any perceived benefit.
In simple terms: Violence as policy is ineffective and unethical.
Key Takeaway
Seek humane, lawful solutions to governance challenges.
Themes
ethics
governance
deterrence
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- law enforcement reform
- judicial review
- public debate
Key Concepts
capital punishment
policy making
public morality
Questions to Reflect On
- Is fear an effective tool for governance?
- What alternatives reduce crime without violence?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme measures can erode public trust.
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