1988 Quote by John Brunner
““We cannot afford the luxury known as conscience. The enemy we are up against certainly doesn't have one, so we are obliged to be absolutely rational. Cruel, if you like. People of good will, tolerant, liberal, whatever term you care to use, have always labored under a disadvantage. Those in power, those who want to hold on to power whatever the cost, have one ultimate recourse. If all else fails, they are prepared to kill. This is not available to pacifists.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Stand on Zanzibar, John Brunner, 1968
Powerful entities may abandon morality, using pure rationality and violence when threatened, leaving ethical people at a disadvantage.
In simple terms: Power can discard conscience for ruthless rationality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and guard against moral compromise.
Themes
power
ethics
conflict
politics
rationality
Mood
tense
critical
cautious
Type
political
philosophical
warning
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- military strategy
- activist planning
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
realpolitik
moral relativism
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance rational strategy with moral responsibility?
- What safeguards can protect ethical actors?
A Different Perspective
Even rational decisions can be immoral if they ignore human dignity.
![“If [pacifists] imagine that one can somehow "overcome" the German army by lying on one's back, let them go on imagining it, but let them also wonder occasionally whether this is not an illusion due to security, too much money and a simple ignorance of the way in which things actually happen.” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/009/george-orwell-57_anti-war_if-pacifists-imagine-that-one-can-someho_2532055.jpg)
