Accepting Quote by Benjamin Netanyahu
“When I say that terrorism is war against civilization, I may be met by the objection that terrorists are often idealists pursuing worthy ultimate aims -- national or regional independence, and so forth. I do not accept this argument. I cannot agree that a terrorist can ever be an idealist, or that the objects sought can ever justify terrorism. The impact of terrorism, not merely on individual nations, but on humanity as a whole, is intrinsically evil, necessarily evil and wholly evil.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: United Nations General Assembly, 2015
Terrorism is intrinsically evil, regardless of claimed ideals, and cannot be justified.
In simple terms: Terrorism is always evil.
Key Takeaway
Condemn and prevent terrorism unequivocally.
Themes
ethics
terrorism
politics
Mood
somber
urgent
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- national security policy
- counter‑terrorism training
- public education
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
security studies
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Can any cause justify violence?
- How to address root causes without legitimizing terror?
A Different Perspective
Complex motives may blur moral judgments.
