Civilization Quote by Bertrand Russell
“Against the vast majority of my countrymen, even at this moment, in the name of humanity and civilization, I protest against our share in the destruction of Germany. A month ago Europe was a peaceful comity of nations; if an Englishman killed a German, he was hanged. Now, if an Englishman kills a German, or if a German kills an Englishman, he is a patriot, who has deserved well of his country.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on war and morality, 1939
The speaker condemns the moral reversal where killing fellow citizens is praised as patriotism, contrasting past justice with current wartime hypocrisy.
In simple terms: War changes moral standards, making killing seem patriotic.
Key Takeaway
Question the justification of violence in war.
Themes
morality
war
justice
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- political debate
- education
- peace activism
Key Concepts
ethical relativism
patriotism
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wartime propaganda reshape ethical judgments?
- Can patriotism ever justify killing?
A Different Perspective
The quote assumes a universal moral standard that may not hold in all cultural contexts.
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