Begets Quote by David Limbaugh
“Pacifism in the face of war is not only irresponsible - it is immoral. Refusing to meet force with force in the name of peace will beget not peace, but further death and destruction, the very violence the pacifists seek to avoid.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Political Commentary, 2005
Advocates that refusing to use force in war leads to more violence and death, making pacifism immoral in such contexts.
In simple terms: Pacifism can cause more harm if not matched with strength.
Key Takeaway
Consider the consequences of non‑violence in conflict.
Themes
ethics
war
pacifism
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- military strategy
- peace negotiations
- civil resistance
- humanitarian aid
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
realpolitik
Questions to Reflect On
- Is absolute non‑violence realistic in war?
- How can peace be achieved without force?
A Different Perspective
Non‑violent resistance may still result in loss of life.
![“I will not call myself a pacifist for the very simple reason that if something like a [Francisco] Franco should arise in Spain again, or, for that matter, in America, and tried to take away whatever dwindling civil liberties and human rights we retain, I would resist them with a club if I had to…” quote by Murray Bookchin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/murray-bookchin-2587_admiration_i-will-not-call-myself-a-pacifist-for-th_1047865.jpg)
![“If [pacifists] imagine that one can somehow "overcome" the German army by lying on one's back, let them go on imagining it, but let them also wonder occasionally whether this is not an illusion due to security, too much money and a simple ignorance of the way in which things actually happen.” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/009/george-orwell-57_anti-war_if-pacifists-imagine-that-one-can-someho_2532055.jpg)
![“Moreover [pacifists] do not as a rule condemn violence as such, but only violence used in defence of western countries” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ce/george-orwell-57_pacifism_moreover-pacifists-do-not-as-a-rule-cond_1204858.jpg)
![“The messiness [in my books] is nothing like an Atwood novel. For me, the deeper subjects are secrets versus intimacy, and how both beget safety but also threaten it. And there is a lot for me about loss, too.” quote by Edan Lepucki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/580/edan-lepucki-20626_begets_the-messiness-in-my-books-is-nothing-lik_132412.jpg)
