Air Quote by Clive James
“How much atonement is enough? The bombing must be allowed as at least part-payment: those of our young people who are concerned about the moral problem posed by the Allied air offensive should at least consider the moral problem that would have been posed if the German civilian population had not suffered at all.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public commentary on Allied bombing, 1940s
The quote questions how much reparations are sufficient, suggesting that bombing should be seen as partial compensation, and urges consideration of moral dilemmas if German civilians had been spared.
In simple terms: It asks how much atonement is enough and compares bombing to partial payment.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethics of wartime actions and proportional reparations.
Themes
ethics
war
morality
justice
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- educational curricula
- peace negotiations
- public memorials
Key Concepts
reparations
collective responsibility
historical reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What constitutes adequate atonement after mass violence?
- How do we balance justice with reconciliation?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex wartime suffering and ignore victims’ perspectives.
![“I am pleased though that there's a possibility of a diplomatic solution [in Syria]. I remain somewhat skeptical, but I am pleased that it's a possibility and I think people like myself who've been arguing for delaying this bombing, have allowed this diplomatic possibility to occur.” quote by Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/533/rand-paul-606_arguing_i-am-pleased-though-that-there-s-a-possi_995606.jpg)
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
![“[A]s you partake of the world's bill of fare, that's darned good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out the hot air. And be careful what you swallow.” quote by Dr. Seuss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/da8/dr-seuss-1224_advice_a-s-you-partake-of-the-world-s-bill-of-f_6806.jpg)