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.
William Lyon Mackenzie KingRead
Far more has been accomplished for the welfare and progress of mankind by preventing bad actions than by doing good ones.
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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It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.
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