Advantage Quote by Lord Chesterfield
“Violent measures are always dangerous, but, when necessary, may then be looked on as wise. They have, however, the advantage of never being matter of indifference; and, when well concerted, must be decisive.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Letters to His Son, 1748
Violent actions are risky but can be justified when they decisively address issues, avoiding apathy.
In simple terms: Violence can be justified if decisive.
Key Takeaway
Use force only when necessary and decisive.
Themes
ethics
politics
conflict
decisionmaking
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- war
- law enforcement
- political protest
- revolution
Key Concepts
realpolitik
moral calculus
deterrence
Questions to Reflect On
- When is force truly necessary?
- What alternatives exist?
A Different Perspective
Violence often escalates and harms innocents.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
