Asking Quote by Herbert Spencer
“When men hire themselves out to shoot other men to order, asking nothing about the justice of their cause, I don't care if they are shot themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Ethics of War, 19th century
Mercenaries fight without moral scrutiny, making their fate irrelevant to the cause.
In simple terms: Hiring soldiers without ethics is problematic.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of hired combat.
Themes
ethics
war
mercenaries
Mood
skeptical
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- military contracts
- private security
- war crimes
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justifiable to hire mercenaries?
- What responsibilities do employers have?
A Different Perspective
Mercenaries may still be subject to legal consequences.
