Crush Quote by William F. Buckley, Jr
“When it is not possible to reason with holy warriors, it is necessary to immobilize them or crush them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "God and Man at Yale", 1951
When dialogue fails with extreme opponents, force may be seen as necessary, highlighting moral dilemmas of violence.
In simple terms: Force may be used when reasoning fails.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical limits of force.
Themes
politics
ethics
conflict
Mood
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- law enforcement
- military interventions
Key Concepts
realpolitik
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is force ever justified against ideological foes?
- What alternatives exist to violent suppression?
A Different Perspective
Violence can undermine legitimacy and cause backlash.
