Accomplish Quote by Lionel Shriver
“One of my problems with terrorism is that it's self-evidently bad. The main thing that makes it complicated is the fact that it works. When you go at it with a moral hammer, it's really, really bad. It's so bad you wouldn't believe it because you don't accomplish anything. I think the one thing terrorists themselves are vulnerable to is mockery. It's an excellent weapon.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Terrorism appears obviously evil, yet its effectiveness makes it hard to combat; mockery can undermine its appeal.
In simple terms: Terrorism is bad but effective; humor can weaken it.
Key Takeaway
Use satire to expose and diminish extremist narratives.
Themes
politics
conflict
psychology
communication
Mood
critical
provocative
Type
strategic
analytical
When to use this quote
- counter‑terrorism campaigns
- public discourse
- media analysis
Key Concepts
propaganda
social influence
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How can satire be responsibly employed against extremist groups?
- What risks arise when mocking serious threats?
A Different Perspective
Humor may be dismissed as trivial, limiting its impact.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
