Defense Quote by Martin Luther
“War for the sake of war is sin, but war for the sake of defense is duty.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: On War, 1521
Distinguishes just defensive war from unjust aggression, labeling the former a duty and the latter a sin.
In simple terms: Defensive war is duty; aggressive war is sin.
Key Takeaway
Support defense, reject unnecessary conflict.
Themes
ethics
war
justice
responsibility
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- national defense
- humanitarian intervention
- policy debate
Key Concepts
just war theory
moral philosophy
political duty
Questions to Reflect On
- When is war morally justified?
- How to prevent aggression from masquerading as defense?
A Different Perspective
Complexity of defining “defense.”
![“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)
