Skip to content

Argument Quote by William Lloyd Garrison

“With reasonable men, I will reason; with humane men I will plead; but to tyrants I will give no quarter, nor waste arguments where they will certainly be lost.” quote by William Lloyd Garrison
Download Open image
“With reasonable men, I will reason; with humane men I will plead; but to tyrants I will give no quarter, nor waste arguments where they will certainly be lost.”

William Lloyd Garrison

About This Quote

Source Speech: Abolitionist speech, 1850s

He pledges to reason with reasonable people, plead to humane ones, but give no quarter to tyrants.

In simple terms: Reason with the reasonable, plead with the humane, refuse to argue with tyrants.

Key Takeaway

Stand firm against oppression.

Themes

justice politics ethics

Mood

determined serious

Type

political inspirational

When to use this quote

  • political debate
  • activism
  • legal reform

Key Concepts

rhetoric moral conviction

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is it wise to avoid futile arguments?
  • How can one balance reason and moral urgency?
2.2 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by William Lloyd Garrison

Explore all 58 William Lloyd Garrison quotes

More Argument quotes

Browse all 3,479 Argument quotes