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Able Quote by Julia Ward Howe

“We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience. We, the women of one country…” quote by Julia Ward Howe
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“We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies, Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage, for caresses and applause. Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy, and patience. We, the women of one country, will be too tender of those of another country To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.”

Julia Ward Howe

About This Quote

Source Poem: Women’s Voice, 1865

Women must not surrender their moral agency to war; they should protect their children from violence and uphold compassion.

In simple terms: Women must protect children.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for peace and protect the vulnerable.

Themes

peace family compassion

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

poetic activist

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • activism
  • policy reform
  • education

Key Concepts

moral agency war ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance security and compassion?
  • What role should women play in peacebuilding?
A Different Perspective

War may be seen as necessary by some.

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