--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When cruelty is inflicted on innocent…" description: "\"When cruelty is inflicted on innocent people, it discredits whatever cause.\" — Ronald Reagan" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/ronald-reagan-119_causes_when-cruelty-is-inflicted-on-innocent-pe_2242656.jpg" --- # When cruelty is inflicted on innocent people, it… ![“When cruelty is inflicted on innocent people, it discredits whatever cause.” quote by Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/ronald-reagan-119_causes_when-cruelty-is-inflicted-on-innocent-pe_2242656.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/ronald-reagan-119_causes_when-cruelty-is-inflicted-on-innocent-pe_2242656.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/66e/ronald-reagan-119_causes_when-cruelty-is-inflicted-on-innocent-pe_2242656.jpg) > “When cruelty is inflicted on innocent people, it discredits whatever cause.” [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He argues that using cruelty against innocents undermines any moral or political cause, as legitimacy requires ethical conduct. **In simple terms:** Cruelty discredits causes. Key Takeaway Avoid harming innocents to maintain credibility. Themes ethics politics human rights Mood serious determined Type political ethical When to use this quote - political campaigns - activist movements - military operations - law enforcement - media coverage Key Concepts moral authority public perception Questions to Reflect On - Can a cause remain just if it harms innocents? - What alternatives exist to achieve goals without cruelty? A Different Perspective Some causes may rationalize cruelty for perceived greater good. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Causes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/causes/) [Cruelty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cruelty/) [Cruelty Inflicted](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cruelty-inflicted-2396363/) [Discredit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discredit/) [Discredits Cause](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discredits-cause-5091306/) [Innocent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innocent/) [Innocent people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innocent-people/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [People Discredits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people-discredits-5091307/) ## Related quotes > [“It is a severe cruelty inflicted upon women...that we should be the ones who so desperately need love...affection...acceptance.And yet, we suffer...many of us, for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcia-lynn-mcclure/it-is-a-severe-cruelty-inflicted-upon-women-that-we-should-be-the/) [Marcia Lynn McClure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcia-lynn-mcclure/) > [“It is a severe cruelty inflicted upon women...that we should be the ones who so desperately need love...affection...acceptance. 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