Skip to content

As a nation, we have been responsible for the murder of…

“As a nation, we have been responsible for the murder of literally hundreds of thousands of people at home and abroad by fighting a war that should never have been started and can be won, if at all, only by converting the United States into a police state.” quote by Milton Friedman
Download Open image
“As a nation, we have been responsible for the murder of literally hundreds of thousands of people at home and abroad by fighting a war that should never have been started and can be won, if at all, only by converting the United States into a police state.”

Milton Friedman

About This Quote

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

War causes massive death; turning a nation into a police state is the only way to stop it, but that solution is extreme and problematic.

In simple terms: War kills; extreme control is suggested to end it.

Key Takeaway

Seek peaceful solutions over authoritarian control.

Themes

war authoritarianism human rights

Mood

serious analytical

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • activism
  • academic study

Key Concepts

political theory ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is authoritarian control ever justified?
  • What alternatives exist to stop war?
A Different Perspective

Such a state threatens freedoms it aims to protect.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Milton Friedman

Explore all 444 Milton Friedman quotes

More Converting quotes

Browse all 139 Converting quotes