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Peace” is a condition in which no civilian pays any…

“Peace” is a condition in which no civilian pays any attention to military casualties which do not achieve page-one, lead-story prominence—unless that civilian is a close relative of one of the casualties.” quote by Robert A. Heinlein
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““Peace” is a condition in which no civilian pays any attention to military casualties which do not achieve page-one, lead-story prominence—unless that civilian is a close relative of one of the casualties.””

Robert A. Heinlein

About This Quote

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

Peace is defined as public indifference to most military casualties unless they affect someone personally.

In simple terms: People ignore most war deaths unless they know someone.

Key Takeaway

Consider the impact of personal connection on awareness.

Themes

war media public attention human empathy statistics psychology

Mood

thoughtful analytical somber

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • news reporting
  • policy making
  • family discussions
  • memorials
  • activism

Key Concepts

ethics information bias human behavior

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why does personal loss dominate our concern?
  • How can societies value all lives equally?
A Different Perspective

The definition overlooks systemic neglect of distant suffering.

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