Every victory of man over man has in itself a taste of…
“Every victory of man over man has in itself a taste of defeat… There is no essential difference between the various human groups, creatures whose bones and brains and members are the same; and every damage we do there is a form of mutilation, as if the fingers of the left hand were to be cut off by the right.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human conflict inevitably harms all parties, showing no true superiority among groups; any inflicted damage is a self‑inflicted wound.
In simple terms: War harms everyone, no one is truly superior.
Key Takeaway
Recognize shared humanity, avoid conflict.
Themes
conflict
humanity
equality
Mood
reflective
somber
hopeful
Type
ethical
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political negotiations
- community building
- education
- peace activism
Key Concepts
philosophy
ethics
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we foster cooperation over competition?
- What does shared suffering teach us about equality?
A Different Perspective
Even without violence, competition can still cause subtle harm.