Alive Quote by Thomas S. Power
“Restraint? Why are you so concerned with saving their lives? The whole idea is to kill the bastards. At the end of the war if there are two Americans and one Russian left alive, we win.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Military briefing, 1968
The speaker prioritizes killing enemies over saving lives, viewing victory as a numerical advantage.
In simple terms: Winning is seen as killing more enemies than allies.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of ends‑justify‑the‑means.
Themes
war
ethics
utilitarianism
military strategy
Mood
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- combat decisions
- policy making
- historical analysis
- military training
- peace negotiations
Key Concepts
dehumanization
strategic calculus
Questions to Reflect On
- Is victory worth the loss of humanity?
- How can alternative strategies protect lives?
A Different Perspective
Such a view can ignore the value of human life and long‑term consequences.
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