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
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.
In practice
In a speech about community improvements, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of preventing crime.
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.
The politician's promises of yesterday are the taxes of today.
It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.
Nothing can be by itself alone, no one can be by himself or herself alone, everyone has to inter-be with every one else. That is why, when you look outside, around you, you can see yourself.
Culture is being threatened when all worldly objects and things, produced by the present or the past, are treated as mere functions for the life process of society, as though they are there only to fulfill some need, and for this functionalization it is almost irrelevant whether the needs in question are of a high or a low order.
These virtues are formed in man by his doing the actions ... The good of man is a working of the soul in the way of excellence in a complete life.
Poor intricated soul! Riddling, perplexed, labyrinthical soul!
The opinions of men are not the object of civil government, nor under its jurisdiction.
If the highest things are unknowable, then the highest capacity or virtue of man cannot be theoretical wisdom.
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