Always Quote by Stanley Baldwin
“The bomber will always get through. The only defense is in offense, which means that you have to kill more women and children more quickly that the enemy if you want to save yourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Parliamentary debate, United Kingdom, 1930s
Advocates aggressive preemptive attacks, suggesting killing civilians faster than the enemy as a means of self‑preservation.
In simple terms: Violence against civilians is justified as a defensive strategy.
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral cost of such tactics.
Themes
war
ethics
defense
civilians
aggression
Mood
dark
grim
controversial
Type
political
ethical
strategic
When to use this quote
- military planning
- policy making
- humanitarian law
- public debate
Key Concepts
Utilitarianism
realpolitik
total war
Questions to Reflect On
- Is killing civilians ever a legitimate defense?
- What alternatives exist to protect civilians?
A Different Perspective
Such a stance ignores international law and long‑term consequences.
