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You see, for us it does,” Fiedler continued. “I myself…

“You see, for us it does,” Fiedler continued. “I myself would have put a bomb in a restaurant if it brought us farther along the road. Afterwards I would draw the balance—so many women, so many children; and so far along the road. But Christians—and yours is a Christian society—Christians may not…” quote by John le Carré
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““You see, for us it does,” Fiedler continued. “I myself would have put a bomb in a restaurant if it brought us farther along the road. Afterwards I would draw the balance—so many women, so many children; and so far along the road. But Christians—and yours is a Christian society—Christians may not draw the balance.””

John le Carré

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A character argues that Christian ethics prevent using utilitarian calculations to justify harming innocents.

In simple terms: Christian morals reject utilitarian sacrifice of people.

Key Takeaway

Consider ethical limits beyond outcomes.

Themes

ethics religion utilitarianism conflict

Mood

serious reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • military decisions
  • policy debates
  • personal dilemmas

Key Concepts

moral philosophy war ethics human value

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should moral principles override utilitarian reasoning?
  • Can a society uphold both faith‑based ethics and security needs?
A Different Perspective

The stance may clash with pragmatic strategies in extreme situations.

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