Indeed, ask every man separately whether he thinks it…
“Indeed, ask every man separately whether he thinks it laudable and worthy of a man of this age to hold a position from which he receives a salary disproportionate to his work; to take from the people--often in poverty--taxes to be spent on constructing cannon, torpedoes, and other instruments of butchery, so as to make war on people with whom we wish to be at peace, and who feel the same wish in regard to us; or to receive a salary for devoting one's whole life to constructing these instruments of butchery, or to preparing oneself and others for the work of murder.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author critiques war profiteering and the moral paradox of funding conflict while desiring peace, questioning the ethics of disproportionate salaries and weapon production.
In simple terms: War profits conflict with peace ideals.
Key Takeaway
Question war economics.
Themes
ethics
war
economics
Mood
critical
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- activism
- military budgeting
Key Concepts
political philosophy
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist for defense spending?
- How can societies align wages with ethical work?
A Different Perspective
Complex geopolitics may limit simple solutions.