Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
Old cycles of empty noise and fake anger repeat while we fight for freedom without comfort. We recognize our enemies as brothers in sin, sharing a enslaved condition.
In plain terms
The same old fighting and fake anger continue, but we know our enemies are just like us.
What can you take from it?
Fight empty for freedom knowing all sides share the same flaws.

Where it applies

  • analyzing propaganda
  • historical parallels
  • moral dilemmas

Putting it to work

  • reject performative outrage
  • identify common ground
  • seek liberation

Questions to consider

  • How do we fight without dehumanizing the opponent?
  • Is victory possible if all sides are equally flawed?

Another view

Equating enemies as brothers in sin can obscure clear moral distinctions.

More from Gilbert Keith Chesterton

  1. For we that fight till the world is free, We are not easy in victory: We have known each other too long, my brother, And fought each other, the world and we.

    Permalink to quote #177
  2. In a time of sceptic moths and cynic rusts, And fattened lives that of their sweetness tire In a world of flying loves and fading lusts, It is something to be …

    Permalink to quote #179
  3. Our chiefs said 'Done,' and I did not deem it; Our seers said 'Peace,' and it was not peace; Earth will grow worse till men redeem it, And wars more evil, ere …

    Permalink to quote #176

Related quotes

  1. Suppose Germany had developed two bombs before we had any bombs. And suppose Germany had dropped one bomb, say, on Rochester and the other on Buffalo, and then…

    Leo SzilardLeo Szilard quote #1
  2. If we had fifty Eichmann's, we would have won the war.

    Heinrich MullerHeinrich Muller quote #2
  3. So if depite that, Hitler prepared war, he perpetrated the greatest lie and betrayal in the world. This trial clearly shows that Hitler did just that. I have n…

    Hans FritzscheHans Fritzsche quote #2