I think it is well . . . for the man in the street to…
“I think it is well . . . for the man in the street to realise there is no power on earth that can protect him from bombing, whatever people may tell him. The bomber will always get through. The only defence is in offence, which means that you have to kill more women and children more quickly than the enemy if you want to save yourselves.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War creates a reality where offensive force is seen as the only effective protection, implying civilians are doomed unless they adopt the same brutality as the enemy.
In simple terms: Offense is viewed as the only defense against bombing.
Key Takeaway
Adopt stronger deterrence.
Themes
war
ethics
civilian protection
deterrence
Mood
grim
anxious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- civil defense policy
- public discourse on warfare
Key Concepts
realism
moral paradox
strategic doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- Is violence ever justified to protect civilians?
- What alternatives exist to offensive strategies?
A Different Perspective
The logic ignores moral costs and long‑term instability caused by targeting civilians.