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Evil Quote by Robert McNamara

“I think the human race needs to think more about killing. How much evil must we do in order to do good?” quote by Robert McNamara
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“I think the human race needs to think more about killing. How much evil must we do in order to do good?”

Robert McNamara

About This Quote

Source Speech: Press Conference, Robert McNamara, 1968

He questions the moral paradox of using harmful means to achieve noble ends, urging reflection on the cost of violence.

In simple terms: Violence may be used to achieve good, but it raises moral doubts.

Key Takeaway

Weigh the ethics of means versus ends.

Themes

ethics war morality politics

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy decisions
  • military interventions
  • humanitarian aid
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

just war theory consequentialism moral dilemma

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is it ever justified to cause harm for a greater good?
  • How do we measure the balance of evil and good?
A Different Perspective

The answer may differ across cultures and contexts, making universal judgment hard.

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