Oh, Bertrand Russell! Oh, Hewlett Johnson! Where, oh where, was your flaming conscience at that time?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A rhetorical question challenges Johnson's moral stance during a particular historical moment.
- In plain terms
- The speaker asks where Johnson's conscience was at that time.
- What can you take from it?
- Questioning others' moral actions can highlight hypocrisy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What evidence supports this critique?
- How do we assess historical moral responsibility?
Another view
Without context, the accusation may be vague.
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