Anti war Quote by Benjamin Franklin
“A highwayman is as much a robber when he plunders in a gang as when single; and a nation that makes an unjust war is only a great gang.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Thoughts on War and Society, 1750
War is a collective crime, akin to robbery by a gang, reflecting moral failure of a nation
In simple terms: War is a collective crime like robbery by a gang
Recognize war's moral cost and seek peace
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- peace activism
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a just war?
- How can societies prevent collective wrongdoing?
War may be justified by some as necessary, complicating moral judgments