Absolutes Quote by Howard Zinn
“I am not an absolute pacifist, because I can't rule out the possibility that under some, carefully defined circumstances, some degree of violence may be justified, if it is focused directly at a great evil.”
About This Quote
The speaker admits that absolute pacifism is untenable, allowing for limited, targeted violence against great evil under strict conditions.
In simple terms: Violence may be justified against great evil in rare cases.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical limits of violence.
Themes
ethics
violence
pacifism
morality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political activism
- self‑defense
- human rights interventions
Key Concepts
just war theory
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is violence morally permissible?
- What safeguards prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective
Risk of abuse of “great evil” justification.
![“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)
