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Built Quote by Helen Keller

“What can rulers, nobility and all the lords of the earth say to justify the horrible killing and maiming of twenty or thirty million valuable men who a short while ago ploughed, dug, wove, built, guided the traffic of the world, took their pleasure, loved their fellows, cherished their families…” quote by Helen Keller
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“What can rulers, nobility and all the lords of the earth say to justify the horrible killing and maiming of twenty or thirty million valuable men who a short while ago ploughed, dug, wove, built, guided the traffic of the world, took their pleasure, loved their fellows, cherished their families, and feared naught?”

Helen Keller

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Lecture on War and Humanity, 1932

The horror of mass killing is unjustifiable, regardless of the victims' contributions to society.

In simple terms: Killing millions is never justified.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for peace and human dignity.

Themes

war human rights ethical responsibility

Mood

somber urgent

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • education
  • activism
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

moral philosophy value of life social justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • What moral frameworks oppose war?
  • How can societies protect civilians?
A Different Perspective

Some argue war is necessary for security.

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