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Far more has been accomplished for the welfare and progress of mankind by preventing bad actions than by doing good ones.
William Lyon Mackenzie King
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Preventing negative actions is more beneficial for humanity than merely promoting positive ones.

This quote emphasizes the idea that the prevention of harmful actions is a significantly more powerful force for human welfare and societal progress than the promotion of good deeds alone. It suggests that mitigating harm plays a crucial role in fostering a better world, highlighting the proactive nature of prevention as essential for collective advancement.

Themes

WelfareProgressPreventionGood ActionsBad Actions

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about community improvements, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of preventing crime.

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Just when we most need to be clearheaded, in order to face the hard facts before us, there is all too frequently a very real inclination to give way to dangerous tendencies merely as an escape from realities.
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It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.
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