Flogging Quote by William Hope Hodgson
““Moreover, they who returned, if any, would be flogged, as seemed proper, after due examination. And though the news of their beatings might help all others to hesitation, ere they did foolishly, in like fashion, yet was the principle of the flogging not on this base, which would be both improper and unjust; but only that the one in question be corrected to the best advantage for his own well-being; for it is not meet that any principle of correction should shape to the making of human signposts of pain for the benefit of others; for in verity, this were to make one pay the cost of many's learning; and each should owe to pay only so much as shall suffice for the teaching of his own body and spirit. And if others profit thereby, this is but accident, however helpful. And this is wisdom, and denoteth now that a sound Principle shall prevent Practice from becoming monstrous.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The House of Souls by William Hope Hodgson, 1915
Punishment should aim to correct the individual, not to inflict pain for others' benefit; learning must be personal and proportionate.
In simple terms: Correction, not pain, should guide discipline.
Key Takeaway
Focus on humane, individualized correction.
Themes
ethics
discipline
justice
education
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- court sentencing
- school discipline
- parental guidance
- workplace performance reviews
Key Concepts
proportionality
human dignity
learning theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever just to cause suffering for the sake of others' learning?
- How can we ensure correction remains humane?
A Different Perspective
Punishment that harms others can become monstrous.
![“it is impossible for any mind of common honesty not to be revolted by the contradictions in their principles and practice. They inveigh against the governments of Europe, because, as they say, they favor the powerful and oppress the weak. ... [yet] you will see them with one hand hoisting the cap…” quote by Frances Trollope](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6e5/frances-trollope-22974_bounds_it-is-impossible-for-any-mind-of-common_679123.jpg)
