Tell a man whose house is on fire to give a moderate alarm; tell him to moderately rescue his wife from the hands of the ravisher; tell the mother to gradually extricate her babe from the fire into which it has fallen; but urge me not to use moderation in a case like the present.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to the American abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, emphasizes the urgent need to take immediate and decisive action in certain circumstances. It highlights the absurdity of suggesting moderation when faced with imminent danger or injustice. By using extreme examples like a burning house or a child in peril, the quote argues against complacency and demands a bold and proactive response to address urgent problems. It conveys the idea that there are situations where moderation is insufficient or inappropriate, and a more assertive approach is necessary.

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