Enemies Quote by Jeannette Rankin
“War is the slaughter of human beings, temporarily regarded as enemies, on as large a scale as possible.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: U.S. Senate, 1916, anti‑war advocacy
War dehumanizes people, treating them as temporary enemies to be killed on a massive scale.
In simple terms: War turns humans into expendable enemies.
Key Takeaway
Remember the humanity behind every opponent.
Themes
war
dehumanization
politics
peace
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- peace activism
- military training
- humanitarian aid
Key Concepts
military ethics
human rights
conflict theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our view of enemies?
- Can societies truly eliminate dehumanization?
A Different Perspective
War can be justified by propaganda, obscuring moral costs.
