Argument Quote by John Locke
“It is one thing to persuade, another to command; one thing to press with arguments, another with penalties.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1689
Persuasion relies on reason and argument; command depends on authority and coercion, highlighting different power dynamics.
In simple terms: Persuade with logic, command with force.
Key Takeaway
Use reason before force.
Themes
authority
argument
power
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- leadership
- legislation
- conflict resolution
- negotiation
Key Concepts
political philosophy
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- When is persuasion insufficient?
- What are the risks of relying on penalties?
A Different Perspective
Command can breed resentment and resistance.
![“I like [Barak] Obama. I like him. So how far does rationality help to persuade anybody? You know, I'm not so sure.” quote by George Saunders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da0/george-saunders-317_barak-obama_i-like-barak-obama-i-like-him-so-how-far_87954.jpg)
![“[M]an is not permitted without censure to follow his own thoughts in the search of truth, when they lead him ever so little out of the common road.” quote by John Locke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9bd/john-locke-814_censorship_m-an-is-not-permitted-without-censure-to_60175.jpg)
