Disgrace Quote by Albert Einstein
“He who joyfully marches to music rank and file, has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would surely suffice. This disgrace to civilization should be done away with at once. Heroism at command, how violently I hate all this, how despicable and ignoble war is; I would rather be torn to shreds than be a part of so base an action. It is my conviction that killing under the cloak of war is nothing but an act of murder.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The War Is a Crime, 1940
War is a morally corrupt institution that dehumanizes participants and should be abolished.
In simple terms: War is evil and should end.
Key Takeaway
Reject war, promote peace.
Themes
war
morality
humanity
violence
Mood
angry
disgusted
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy making
- education
- peacebuilding
Key Concepts
pacifism
ethical philosophy
political critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Can societies ever resolve disputes without violence?
- What alternatives to war exist?
A Different Perspective
War may be seen as necessary defense; not all conflict is avoidable.
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