History had been man's effort to accomodate himself to what he could not do. Amereican history in the 20th century would, more than ever before, test man's ability to accomodate himself to all the new things he could do.
Daniel J. BoorstinRead
Human models are more vivid and more persuasive than explicit moral commands.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Real-life examples of behavior often influence us more than simple moral instructions.
This quote suggests that observing the actions of others is a more powerful motivator for ethical behavior than merely being told what is right or wrong. It underscores the idea that seeing morality in practice—through human models—leaves a lasting impression and encourages individuals to align their own behavior with those they admire.
Themes
ModelsMoralityInfluenceBehaviorActions
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about ethical leadership, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of leading by example.
More from Daniel J. Boorstin
All quotes →The most promising words ever written on the maps of human knowledge are terra incognita, unknown territory.
Daniel J. BoorstinRead
Freedom means the opportunity to be what we never thought we would be.
Daniel J. BoorstinRead
Knowledge is not simply another commodity. On the contrary. Knowledge is never used up. It increases by diffusion and grows by dispersion.
Daniel J. BoorstinRead
We need not be theologians to see that we have shifted responsibility for making the world interesting from God to the newspaperman.
Daniel J. BoorstinRead
There was a time when the reader of an unexciting newspaper would remark, 'How dull is the world today!' Nowadays he says, 'What a dull newspaper!'
Daniel J. BoorstinRead
Similar quotes
If the believers in liberty wish the principles of liberty taught, let them never intrust that instruction to any government; for the nature of government is to become a thing apart, an institution existing for its own sake, preying upon the people, and teaching whatever will tend to keep it secure in its seat.
Voltairine De CleyreRead
Strange, that I came into the world with nothing, and now I am going away with this stupendous caravan of sin! Wherever I look, I see only God... I have sinned terribly, and I do not know what punishment awaits me.
AurangzebRead
If we go back to the beginnings of things, we shall always find that ignorance and fear created the gods; that imagination, rapture and deception embellished them; that weakness worships them; that custom spares them; and that tyranny favors them in order to profit from the blindness of men.
Baron D'HolbachRead
War has been more common than peace, and extended periods of peace have been rare in a world divided into multiple states
Donald KaganRead
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans said that those who pass judgment on others are 'inexcusable.' The moment we judge someone else, he explained, we condemn ourselves, for none is without sin. Refusing to forgive is a grievous sin-one the Savior warned against.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead
Amid the turmoil and tumult of battle, there may be seeming disorder and yet no real disorder at all.
Sun TzuRead