Accomplished Quote by Robert Higgs
“It is a sound interpretive rule...that anything that cannot be accomplished except with the aid of threats or the actual exercise of violence against unoffending persons cannot be beneficial to one and all.”
About This Quote
Violence used as a tool to achieve goals is inherently harmful and cannot serve the common good.
In simple terms: Violence cannot be justified for benefit.
Key Takeaway
Reject violent means.
Themes
ethics
politics
violence
Mood
critical
serious
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- conflict resolution
- law enforcement
- social activism
- political negotiation
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any violence ever truly beneficial?
- What alternatives exist to coercion?
A Different Perspective
Some argue force can protect greater goods.
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
