Alive Quote by Sidney Hook
“Those who say that life is worth living at any cost have already written an epitaph of infamy, for there is no cause and no person that they will not betray to stay alive.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Ethics of Survival, 1950
Valuing life at any cost leads to betrayal and loss of moral integrity.
In simple terms: Living at all costs can cause betrayal and loss of integrity.
Key Takeaway
Beware of sacrificing ethics for mere survival.
Themes
ethics
survival
betrayal
Mood
serious
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- war ethics
- political activism
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
existential risk
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- When is compromise justified?
- How do we balance survival with moral duty?
A Different Perspective
May be too absolutist about complex choices.
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