Commandment Quote by Marvin Harris
“The commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' does not say it's O.K. to kill some people and not others.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Rise of Anthropological Theory, 1979
The commandment against killing is absolute; it does not permit selective killing, highlighting moral inconsistency.
In simple terms: Killing is universally prohibited, not selectively.
Key Takeaway
Apply universal moral standards.
Themes
ethics
religion
human rights
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- human rights advocacy
- ethical education
Key Concepts
moral absolutism
ethical consistency
law
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any killing ever justified?
- How do societies reconcile this?
A Different Perspective
Cultural relativism challenges universal claims.
