Bad thing Quote by Thomas B. Macaulay
“No war ought ever to be undertaken but under circumstances which render all intercourse of courtesy between the combatants impossible. It is a bad thing that men should hate each other; but it is far worse that they should contract the habit of cutting one another's throats without hatred. War is never lenient but where it is wanton; when men are compelled to fight in self-defence, they must hate and avenge: this may be bad; but it is human nature.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Address on War, Thomas B. Macaulay, 1855
Macaulay argues that war is only justified when all polite communication fails, and that hatred is inevitable in self‑defence, yet acknowledges its brutal nature.
In simple terms: War is justified only when courtesy fails, but it brings hatred.
Key Takeaway
Consider the moral limits of war.
Themes
ethics
war
human nature
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- military policy
- diplomacy
- peace negotiations
Key Concepts
self‑defence
hate
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- Can war ever be truly just?
- What alternatives exist to conflict?
A Different Perspective
War may be unavoidable but still destructive.
