Defense Quote by Herman Kahn
“It is immoral from almost any point of view to refuse to defend yourself and others from very grave and terrible threats, even as there are limits to the means that can be used in such defense.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Ethics of Defense, 1960
Defending oneself and others against grave threats is morally required, despite limits on defensive means.
In simple terms: Self‑defense is moral, even with constraints.
Key Takeaway
Stand up for protection within ethical bounds.
Themes
ethics
self‑defense
responsibility
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
policy
When to use this quote
- personal safety
- national defense
- humanitarian crises
- legal limits
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
security studies
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- When do defensive actions become excessive?
- How to set just limits on defense?
A Different Perspective
Balancing moral duty with proportionality can be complex.
![“Their [the U.S.’s] defense budget in absolute figures is almost 25 times bigger than Russia’s. This is what in defense is referred to as ‘their home — their fortress.’ And good for them, I say. Well done!” quote by Vladimir Putin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec3/vladimir-putin-261_absolutes_their-the-u-s-s-defense-budget-in-absolu_10791.jpg)
