Active Quote by Horace Bushnell
“If you had the seeds of pestilence in your body you would not have a more active contagion that you have in your tempers, tastes, and principles. Simply to be in this world, whatever you are, is to exert an influence, compared with which mere language and persuasion are feeble.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Soul of the World, 1855
Human temperament and values spread influence more powerfully than words or persuasion.
In simple terms: Temperament influences more than speech.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate strong values and character.
Themes
influence
temperament
values
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal development
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
social impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you align actions with values?
- What influence do your temperaments have on others?
A Different Perspective
Words alone cannot change deep-seated attitudes.
![“[...] endless action and reaction. Those beautifully rounded pebbles which you gather on the sand and which you hold in your hand and marvel at their exceeding smoothness, were chiseled into their varies and graceful forms by the ceaseless action of countless waves. Nature is herself a great…” quote by Frederick Douglass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4e7/frederick-douglass-859_action_endless-action-and-reaction-those-beauti_334687.jpg)
