Bottom line Quote by Stan Goff
““I’ve never actually seen the military used to any higher moral purpose. There is always the bottom line, somewhere, somehow.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Military Ethics, 2005
Military actions are rarely driven by pure moral ideals; practical concerns dominate.
In simple terms: War is often about practical goals, not high morals.
Recognize the real motives behind military decisions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- defense planning
- public debate
- activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance moral ideals with practical needs?
- What are the hidden costs of focusing solely on outcomes?
Idealism may overlook necessary compromises.