Happened Quote by Theodore Bikel
“One might have thought the world would stop ascribing moral equivalence between acts of terrorism and acts of punishing terrorism. It has not happened that way.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Radio program, 1970s, USA
Moral equivalence between terrorism and its punishment is a false balance; they differ fundamentally.
In simple terms: Terrorism and punishing it are not morally equal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the moral distinction in conflict.
Themes
ethics
politics
conflict resolution
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- media analysis
- public discourse
Key Concepts
moral relativism
justice theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to punish terrorism the same way?
- What criteria should differentiate moral judgments?
A Different Perspective
Equating both sides can obscure accountability.
![“It [terrorism] happened because intelligence, leadership and police failures made it possible.” quote by Ashraf Ghani](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/beb/ashraf-ghani-4964_failure_it-terrorism-happened-because-intelligen_2356745.jpg)
![“[I provoke] the system [to] show its true face ... so that through its own acts of terrorism ... the masses will rise against it.” quote by Ulrike Meinhof](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9c3/ulrike-meinhof-40153_faces_i-provoke-the-system-to-show-its-true-fa_23351.jpg)
