"The creation of the world -- said Plato -- is the victory of persuasion over force... Civilization is the maintenance of social order, by its own inherent persuasiveness as embodying the nobler alternative. The recourse to force, however unavoidable, is a disclosure of the failure of civilization, either in the general society or in a remnant of individuals... Now the intercourse between individuals and between social groups takes one of these two forms: force or persuasion. Commerce is the great example of intercourse by way of persuasion. War, slavery, and governmental compulsion exemplify the reign of force."
by:
Source:
in Adventures of Ideas
Rating:
Categories:
 
Bookmark and Share  
Reader comments about this quote:
We hold this truth to be self evident.
 -- Mike, NORWALK     
  • 1
  •  
    The Creation of the world is the victory of order, under the aegis of the ultimate creative force, which is Love, over the forces of looming chaos.
     -- Patrick Henry, Red Hill     
  • 1
  •  
    The creation is Love, the 'maintenance' of social order is Peace and Understanding. As Nick Lowe asks: What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? So where are the Strong and who is the Trusted and where is the Harmony?
     -- Mick, Manchester     
  •  
     -- jim k, Austin      
    Beautiful! I like, "The recourse to force, however unavoidable, is a disclosure of the failure of civilization, either in the general society or in a remnant of individuals."
     -- E Archer, NYC     
  • 1
  •  
    I think that the civilization in which we now live is completely take over by satan and his minions. Think not? Think again....
     -- Louis Morelli, Naples Fla.     
  •  
     
    Rate this quote!
    How many stars?
    0
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

     
    What do YOU think?
    Your name:
    Your town:
        CLICK JUST ONCE!

    More Quotations
    Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
    Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
    RSS Subscribe
    Quotes & Quotations - Send This Quote to a Friend

    © 1998-2024 Liberty-Tree.ca