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Able Quote by Martha Gellhorn

“From the earliest wars of men to our last heart-breaking worldwide effort, all we could do was kill ourselves. Now we are able to kill the future.” quote by Martha Gellhorn
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“From the earliest wars of men to our last heart-breaking worldwide effort, all we could do was kill ourselves. Now we are able to kill the future.”

Martha Gellhorn

About This Quote

Source Essay: “The Future of War”, 1945

Humanity’s capacity for self‑destruction extends from war to destroying future possibilities.

In simple terms: We can kill ourselves now and our future.

Key Takeaway

Protect the future by limiting present violence.

Themes

war environment future

Mood

urgent somber

Type

philosophical activist

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • activism
  • education

Key Concepts

ethical responsibility existential risk

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions today safeguard tomorrow?
  • How do we balance present needs with future health?
A Different Perspective

Future protection can be ignored by short‑term gains.

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