Able Quote by Wendell Berry
“Supporters of the war are constantly asking those who oppose it: Why don't you deplore the wrongs and atrocities committed by the other side? The answer, so far as I am concerned, is that I do deplore the wrongs and atrocities committed by the other side. But I am responsible for the wrongs and atrocities committed by our side. And I am no longer able to participate in the assumption that atrocities committed by remote control are less objectionable than those committed at arm's length. I am most concerned with American obstacles to peace because I am an American.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The American Obstacles to Peace”, 1990s
One must own responsibility for one’s own nation’s wrongs, not deflect onto distant enemies.
In simple terms: Take responsibility for your own side’s actions.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge and act on your own nation’s faults.
Themes
responsibility
peace
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- activism
- policy critique
- public discourse
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
political philosophy
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can individuals influence national peace efforts?
- What does it mean to be responsible for your country’s actions?
A Different Perspective
Changing national policy is complex and often slow.
![“It [the Holocaust] is something like a religion… The Intellectual Adventure is that we are reversing this entire trend within the space of one generation - that in a few years time no one will believe this particular legend anymore. They will say, as I do, that atrocities were committed. Yes…” quote by David Irving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0cb/david-irving-32679_adventure_it-the-holocaust-is-something-like-a-rel_2098784.jpg)
