Men Quote by Frederick Douglass
“When men sow the wind it is rational to expect that they will reap the whirlwind.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: 1859, "Address to the Colored Citizens of Boston", abolitionist rally
Actions have consequences; sowing chaos leads to greater destruction
In simple terms: Sow wind, reap whirlwind
Key Takeaway
Consider consequences before acting
Themes
justice
cause
repercussions
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- political activism
- social movements
- personal decisions
Key Concepts
Cause and effect
moral responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- What actions might cause unintended harm?
- How can we mitigate negative outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Complex causes may not be obvious
![“[W]e declare it is a grievous sin before God to adopt restrictive measures in disobedience to God's divine command from the beginning of time to 'multiply and replenish the earth.' Surely those who project such measures to prevent life or to destroy life before or after birth will reap the…” quote by Harold B. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e0/harold-b-lee-7452_birth_w-e-declare-it-is-a-grievous-sin-before_93464.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)