Danger Quote by William Faulkner
“Men have been pacifists for every reason under the sun except to avoid danger and fighting.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On Pacifism, 1945
He argues that pacifists often avoid danger and conflict for self-preservation rather than genuine principle, suggesting hypocrisy.
In simple terms: Pacifism sometimes masks self‑interest.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind pacifism.
Themes
ethics
conflict
hypocrisy
self-preservation
politics
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- political debate
- military service
- peace activism
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
war ethics
psychology of fear
Questions to Reflect On
- Are all pacifists self‑serving?
- What drives genuine pacifist conviction?
A Different Perspective
Idealism can be sincere.
![“I will not call myself a pacifist for the very simple reason that if something like a [Francisco] Franco should arise in Spain again, or, for that matter, in America, and tried to take away whatever dwindling civil liberties and human rights we retain, I would resist them with a club if I had to…” quote by Murray Bookchin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/murray-bookchin-2587_admiration_i-will-not-call-myself-a-pacifist-for-th_1047865.jpg)
![“Moreover [pacifists] do not as a rule condemn violence as such, but only violence used in defence of western countries” quote by George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8ce/george-orwell-57_pacifism_moreover-pacifists-do-not-as-a-rule-cond_1204858.jpg)
