...the hope that the day will not be far distant when it…
““...the hope that the day will not be far distant when it will be popularly considered that to lose life by accident in productive and distributive industry is just as noble and heroic as to lose it by accident on board a man of war. That to lose life by being drowned like a rat in as mine is just as worthy as being drowned like a rat in the hold of an ironclad. That to lose a limb by an exploding shell is no more worthy of national consideration than to lose one in a rolling mill. That to be blown up by a torpedo creates no more sorrow in the unfortunate's family than to be blown up by a boiler. That one should not be the hero of an apotheosis while the other goes to Eternity unhonored and unsung.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The quote equates industrial accidents with wartime heroism, arguing both are equally noble and tragic, challenging societal values on labor and sacrifice.
In simple terms: Industrial deaths are as heroic as war deaths.
Key Takeaway
Recognize all workers’ sacrifices equally.
Themes
labor
war
heroism
societal values
sacrifice
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
statement
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- factory work
- military service
- public memorials
- policy debates
Key Concepts
industrial risk
martyrdom
class struggle
national narrative
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we honor workers without glorifying risk?
- Should heroism be limited to combat?
A Different Perspective
Might romanticize danger, ignoring safety improvements.