Skip to content

Government Quote by Bertrand Russell

“This idea of weapons of mass exterminations utterly horrible and is something which no one with one spark of humanity can tolerate. I will not pretend to obey a government which is organizing a mass massacre of mankind.” quote by Bertrand Russell
Download Open image
“This idea of weapons of mass exterminations utterly horrible and is something which no one with one spark of humanity can tolerate. I will not pretend to obey a government which is organizing a mass massacre of mankind.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

Source Speech: Anti‑War Lecture, 1950s

Condemns state‑sanctioned mass killing as inhumane and unacceptable.

In simple terms: Mass murder is intolerable.

Key Takeaway

Reject participation in genocidal policies.

Themes

human rights war morality

Mood

ouaged determined

Type

activist ethical

When to use this quote

  • political activism
  • humanitarian work
  • public protest
  • journalism

Key Concepts

genocide state violence ethical duty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions can individuals take to oppose mass violence?
  • How do societies prevent moral complacency?
A Different Perspective

Governments may claim security to justify atrocities.

4.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Bertrand Russell

Explore all 1,620 Bertrand Russell quotes

More Government quotes

Browse all 21,248 Government quotes