Conflict Quote by Saul Alinsky
““one’s concern with the ethics of means and ends varies inversely with one’s distance from the scene of conflict.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Rules for Radicals, 1971
Highlights that moral scrutiny of tactics lessens as one is removed from conflict.
In simple terms: Ethics become distant when far from conflict.
Stay ethically vigilant regardless of distance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- activist planning
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain moral clarity in indirect involvement?
- What safeguards can prevent ethical drift?
Ethical standards can be compromised by detachment.