Airplane Quote by Newton D. Baker
“To throw bombs from an airplane will do as much damage as throwing bags of flour. It will be my pleasure to stand on the bridge of any ship while it is attacked by airplanes.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address, 1918, United States, null
Warfare that relies on aerial bombing causes indiscriminate destruction comparable to harmless objects, highlighting moral absurdity.
In simple terms: Bombing from planes is as destructive as throwing flour bags.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the ethical costs of aerial warfare.
Themes
war
ethics
technology
destruction
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- military training
- public discourse
- humanitarian law
Key Concepts
just war theory
collateral damage
military strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any form of bombing ever morally defensible?
- How does technology change the perception of violence?
A Different Perspective
Aerial attacks can be justified under certain strategic contexts, complicating moral judgments.
