"در کارکرد خود، قدرت تنبیه کردن ذاتاً با قدرت درمان یا آموزش دادن تفاوتی ندارد."

The core idea here is that punishment, teaching, and healing share the same goal: transformation. They may seem like different actions, but they all strive to change behavior or improve someone’s condition. Whether you’re punishing someone for wrongdoing, teaching them a new skill, or helping them recover from an illness, the end goal is to make a positive impact on their future.

Historically, this idea comes from the work of French philosopher Michel Foucault, who was fascinated by the ways societies control and influence people. He wrote a lot about power and how it’s exerted, especially in institutions like prisons, schools, and hospitals. Foucault believed that these places, despite their different purposes, all aimed to mold individuals into what society deemed acceptable.

Imagine you’re a teacher dealing with a student who’s always disruptive in class. You’ve got a few options. You could send them to detention (punishment), have a one-on-one talk to understand what’s going on (educate), or refer them to the school counselor (heal). All these actions aim to help the student change their behavior and succeed in the long run.

Now, let’s talk about how you can apply this wisdom in your own life. Next time you’re in a position where you need to correct someone—maybe you’re a parent, a manager, or just helping a friend—think about the underlying goal. Are you trying to make them feel bad, or are you aiming for a positive change? Focus on the latter. Instead of just punishing, consider how you can educate or heal. What can you do to help them understand the consequences and avoid repeating the mistake?

Here’s a relatable scenario. Picture yourself as a parent of a teenager who’s just broken curfew. Your first instinct might be to ground them (punish) because you’re upset. But take a step back. Maybe they were out late because they were helping a friend in trouble. In this case, a heart-to-heart talk about responsibility and safety (educate) could be more effective. Or if they’re stressed out, a relaxing weekend at home (heal) might help them regroup and understand the importance of following rules.

Think about it. Would you rather be punished harshly without understanding why, or would you prefer someone taking the time to guide you and help you grow from your mistakes? It’s the same for others. We all benefit more from understanding and support than from mere retribution.

So next time you’re faced with the need to correct or guide someone, remember that punishment isn’t the only tool in your kit. Educating and healing can be just as powerful—if not more so—in making a lasting, positive change. And who knows, you might just find that you grow a bit in the process too.