If that's the price of getting together, then I'll be…
“If that's the price of getting together, then I'll be damned if I want to live on the same earth with any human beings! If the rest of them can survive only by destroying us, then why should we wish them to survive? Nothing can make self-immolation proper. Nothing can give them the right to turn men into sacrificial animals. Nothing can make it moral to destroy the best. One can't be punished for being good. One can't be penalized for ability. If that is right, then we'd better start slaughtering one another, because there isn't any right at all in the world!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
If moral absolutes are denied, the justification for any action collapses, leading to nihilism and potentially violent self‑interest.
In simple terms: Without shared morals, chaos ensues.
Key Takeaway
A common ethical framework is needed to prevent mutual destruction.
Themes
ethics
nihilism
human nature
Mood
provocative
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- conflict resolution
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
moral relativism
social contract
Practical Applications
- establish shared values
- promote ethical education
Questions to Reflect On
- What minimal moral principles can unite disparate groups?
- How do we guard against moral absolutism?
A Different Perspective
Rigid moral systems can also justify oppression; balance is required.