It would repel me less to be a hangman than a soldier…
“It would repel me less to be a hangman than a soldier, because the one is obliged to put to death only criminals sentenced by the law, but the other kills honest men who like himself bathe in innocent blood at the bidding of some superior.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He prefers the role of executioner over soldier because the former follows law, while the latter may kill innocent men under orders.
In simple terms: Prefers legal execution over killing innocents in war.
Key Takeaway
Question moral implications of following orders.
Themes
ethics
law
war
morality
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- military service
- legal profession
- civil disobedience
- political protest
Key Concepts
justice
authority
obedience
Questions to Reflect On
- Is obedience to authority ever justified?
- How do we reconcile duty with conscience?
A Different Perspective
Lawful killing may still be morally troubling.