"Punishment may make us obey the orders we are given, but at best it will only teach an obedience to authority, not a self-control which enhances our self-respect"
- Bruno Bettelheim
About this Quote
This quote by Bruno Bettelheim recommends that penalty might work in making us comply with orders, but it does not necessarily cause self-control or self-esteem. Punishment might be a method to impose obedience, but it does not necessarily cause a deeper understanding of why the orders ought to be followed. It does not teach us to take obligation for our own actions and to establish self-discipline. Instead, it only teaches us to comply with authority without questioning it. This can lead to an absence of dignity, as we are not taking ownership of our own actions. Penalty may be effective in the short-term, but it does not result in enduring change or self-improvement.
"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
