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About this quote

What does it mean?
Justifies harsh actions as necessary despite their cruelty.
In plain terms
This cruelty was required.
What can you take from it?
Sometimes harsh measures are unavoidable.

Where it applies

  • crisis decision
  • war
  • political necessity

Putting it to work

  • justify hard choices
  • weigh necessity
  • act under pressure

Questions to consider

  • When is cruelty justified?
  • How to decide hard choices?

Another view

Calling something necessary can excuse unethical behavior.

More from Oliver Cromwell

  1. I tell you we will cut off his head with the crown upon it.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. If we do not depart from God, and disunite by that departure, and fall into disunion among ourselves, I am confident, we doing our duty and waiting upon the Lo…

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Since providence and necessity has cast them upon it, he should pray God to bless their counsels.

    Permalink to quote #12

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