Agree Quote by Adin Ballou
“How many does it take to metamorphose wickedness into righteousness? One man must not kill. If he does, it is murder… But a state or nation may kill as many as they please, and it is not murder. It is just, necessary, commendable, and right. Only get people enough to agree to it, and the butchery of myriads of human beings is perfectly innocent. But how many does it take?”
About This Quote
Source Book: The History of Nonviolent Resistance, Adin Ballou, 1850
The quote questions how many lives must be taken before mass killing becomes morally acceptable, exposing the paradox of state violence versus individual murder.
In simple terms: It questions the moral line between personal murder and state killing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the danger of normalizing mass violence.
Themes
ethics
politics
violence
morality
justice
Mood
critical
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- war
- government policy
- human rights activism
- legal debates
- public protests
Key Concepts
social contract
state power
dehumanization
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should limit state use of lethal force?
- How does collective consent affect moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
It assumes state killings are justified, ignoring potential abuses of power.
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