Character Quote by Jeff Cooper
“I have long had a tendency to tie marksmanship to morality. The essence of good marksmanship is self-control, and self-control is the essence of good citizenship. It is too easy to say that a good shot is automatically a good man, but it would be equally incorrect to ignore the connection.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of the Rifle by Jeff Cooper, 1956
Good shooting requires self‑control, which also underpins responsible citizenship; the two are linked but not identical.
In simple terms: Shooting needs self‑control, which also makes good citizens.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate self‑control in all actions.
Themes
discipline
responsibility
citizenship
Mood
focused
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- target shooting
- law enforcement training
- military drills
- personal development
Key Concepts
self‑control
ethics
skill development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does self‑control translate to ethical decisions?
- Can a good shooter be a bad citizen?
A Different Perspective
Self‑control alone does not guarantee moral behavior.
