Aggression Quote by Margaret J. Wheatley
“Aggression is inherently destructive of relationships. People and ideologies are pitted against each other, believing that in order to survive, they must destroy the opposition.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Leadership and the New Science, Margaret J. Wheatley, 1992
Aggression harms connections, turning people and ideas into enemies that must be destroyed for survival.
In simple terms: Aggression destroys relationships and pits people against each other.
Key Takeaway
Avoid aggression, seek collaboration.
Themes
relationships
conflict
collaboration
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
advisory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- teamwork
- community building
- political discourse
- family dynamics
Key Concepts
power dynamics
social psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we transform aggressive impulses into constructive dialogue?
- What structures reduce the need for destructive competition?
A Different Perspective
Aggression can sometimes protect vulnerable groups from harm.
![“I [Lorna Craig] would say that teaching a girl that her salvation depends on her having sexual relations with a married man is inherently destructive." Such relationships, Craig argues bitterly, should be considered "a crime, not a religion.” quote by Jon Krakauer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/357/jon-krakauer-1557_crime_i-lorna-craig-would-say-that-teaching-a_1061953.jpg)
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
