Habits Quote by Dennis Prager
““Secular progressive thought also denies free will, viewing all our behavior as ultimately attributable to genes and environment. Between blaming society and denying free will, progressives are more interested in understanding violent criminals than in punishing them. That explains why in Norway, for example, the maximum sentence for murder is 21 years in prison, and few Norwegian murderers spend more than 14 years behind bars.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Radio Talk Show, 2015
The quote argues that progressive ideology rejects free will, attributing behavior to biology and environment, leading to lenient criminal justice policies focused on rehabilitation over punishment.
In simple terms: Progressives blame genetics/environment, favor rehab over punishment.
Key Takeaway
Consider how beliefs shape policy.
Themes
free will
criminal justice
politics
rehabilitation
determinism
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
argumentative
political
commentary
When to use this quote
- legal reform debates
- policy making
- criminal sentencing
- public safety discussions
Key Concepts
determinism
social policy
punishment
rehabilitation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do environmental factors fully explain violent behavior?
- How should societies balance rehabilitation with accountability?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on genetics may ignore personal responsibility and victim impact.
![“So it follows that those who have reason have freedom to will or not to will, although this freedom is not equal in all of them. [...] human souls are more free when they persevere in the contemplation of the mind of God, less free when they descend to the corporeal, and even less free when they…” quote by Boethius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afb/boethius-11247_blood_so-it-follows-that-those-who-have-reason_991203.jpg)
![“If they [liberals] didn't believe we were mean spirited they couldn't stay liberal. They have to believe they mean better than us, but we don't have to believe that we mean better than them. We have to believe that we do better than them. We measure morality by what happens not what is intended.” quote by Dennis Prager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95d/dennis-prager-631_believe_if-they-liberals-didn-t-believe-we-were_111894.jpg)
