"Thaw with her gentle persuasion is more powerful than Thor with his hammer. The one melts, the other breaks into pieces"
- Henry David Thoreau
About this Quote
Henry David Thoreau's quote is a metaphor comparing the power of persuasion to the power of force. He is suggesting that persuasion is more powerful than force. Thoreau is stating that gentle persuasion is like a thaw, which can gradually and gently melt away resistance, while force is like Thor's hammer, which can break something into pieces. This metaphor is a pointer that it is typically much better to use mild persuasion than to turn to force. It is a reminder that it is often better to use words and comprehending to solve a conflict than to utilize violence. Thoreau's quote is a pointer that mild persuasion is often more efficient than force. It is a reminder that it is frequently better to use understanding and compassion to deal with a dispute than to use violence.
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