Civilians Quote by Stuart Symington
“If civilians are going to be killed, I would rather have them be their civilians than our civilians.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Testimony, 1950s
In wartime, the speaker prefers enemy civilians to be harmed over one's own, reflecting a ruthless utilitarian view.
In simple terms: Prefer enemy casualties over own.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize own civilian safety.
Themes
war
ethics
utilitarianism
Mood
grim
strategic
Type
political
controversial
When to use this quote
- combat decisions
- strategic bombing
- civilian protection policies
Key Concepts
realpolitik
military strategy
moral calculus
Questions to Reflect On
- Is sacrificing enemy lives ever justified?
- What are the long‑term impacts of this mindset?
A Different Perspective
Such logic dehumanizes all civilians.
![“The other thing we did as government is to open gates for the civilians to leave that [ eastern part] area [in Aleppo], and at the same time for the humanitarian convoys and help to go through those gates inside that part of Aleppo, but the terrorists publicly refused any solution, so they wanted…” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/bashar-al-assad-1027_areas_the-other-thing-we-did-as-government-is_37737.jpg)
![“[General Curtis] LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side has lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win?” quote by Robert McNamara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/robert-mcnamara-12738_burned_general-curtis-lemay-recognized-that-wha_43443.jpg)
