Force Quote by Ursula K. Le Guin
“It was easy to share when there was enough, even barely enough, to go round. But when there was not enough? Then force entered in; might making right; power, and its tool, violence, and its most devoted ally, the averted eye.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin, 1974
When resources are scarce, societies turn to coercion, power, and violence, while those who look away enable oppression.
In simple terms: Scarcity breeds force and violence, especially when people ignore it.
Recognize scarcity early and address it before power abuses arise.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government policy
- community resource management
- activism
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you respond when resources dwindle?
- What role does collective awareness play in preventing violence?
If resources are limited, not all will choose force; some may cooperate instead.