Choices-and-consequences Quote by Dalton Trumbo
““They are talking like fools. They are saying that two and two make nothing. They are saying that a man will have to die to in order to protect his life. If you agree to fight you agree to die. Now if you die to protect your life you aren't alive anyhow so how is there any sense in a thing like that? A man doesn't say I will starve myself to death to keep from starving. He doesn't say I will spend all my money in order to save money. He doesn't say I will burn my house to down in order to keep it from burning. Why then should he be willing to die for the privilege of living?””
About This Quote
Source Film: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, 1962, screenplay
The passage argues that sacrificing one’s life to protect life is contradictory; true living cannot be achieved through self‑destruction.
In simple terms: You cannot die to protect life; it’s a paradox.
Key Takeaway
Question the logic of self‑sacrifice for abstract ideals.
Themes
war
philosophy
ethics
existentialism
self‑sacrifice
Mood
thoughtful
serious
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
ethical
reflective
When to use this quote
- military service
- civil protest
- personal sacrifice
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
paradox
value of life
martyrdom
Questions to Reflect On
- What values justify self‑sacrifice?
- Can one live fully without risking death?
A Different Perspective
The view may ignore cases where sacrifice inspires greater good.
