Bad news Quote by Nathaniel Fick
““You’re quoted as saying, ‘The bad news is, we won’t get much sleep tonight; the good news is, we get to kill people.’” She paused, as if waiting for me to disavow the quote. I was silent, and she went on. “We have a retired Army officer on our staff, and he warned me that there are people who enjoy killing, and they aren’t nice to be around. Could you please explain your quote for me?” “No, I cannot.” “Well, do you really feel that way?” Her tone was earnest, almost pleading. “You mean, will I climb your clock tower and pick people off with a hunting rifle?” It was her turn to be silent. “No, I will not. Do I feel compelled to explain myself to you? I don’t.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: “War and the Media” panel (2015)
The speaker refuses to justify violent actions, highlighting moral ambiguity and personal responsibility in warfare.
In simple terms: Refusing to justify killing.
Key Takeaway
Question moral implications of violence.
Themes
ethics
war
responsibility
truth
media
Mood
reflective
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
quote
interview
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military training
- policy debates
- journalistic interviews
- ethical workshops
Key Concepts
philosophy
military ethics
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the moral limits of combat?
- How should societies hold soldiers accountable?
A Different Perspective
Avoiding explanation may be seen as evading accountability.
