Dissension Quote by L.E. Modesitt Jr
““I was trying to foment a little dissension.' He paused. 'No, that's too flippant. How about trying to make the system less warlike—injecting a little love?' He snorted. 'Through violence, of course, like all religious reformers.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Spellsong War by L.E. Modesitt Jr, 1995
A speaker jokes about using love to reduce conflict, then admits violence is the usual tool of reformers, highlighting paradoxes in idealism versus reality.
In simple terms: Love vs. violence paradox in reform.
Key Takeaway
Question the cost of idealism.
Themes
paradox
conflict
idealism
reform
violence
love
Mood
ironic
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
satirical
When to use this quote
- activism
- political negotiation
- peacebuilding
- religious movements
Key Concepts
Ethics
political philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Can love truly replace force in systemic change?
- What are the risks of romanticizing reform?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic love often clashes with pragmatic aggression.
![“Here they [the Jaredites] became a flourishing nation; but, giving way in time to internal dissensions, they divided into factions, which warred with one another until the people were totally destroyed (p. 15).” quote by James E. Talmage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/844/james-e-talmage-19634_destruction_here-they-the-jaredites-became-a-flouris_648482.jpg)
