You are truly a monster. You speak of sacrilege and massacre of innocents, and then you ask me to trust you. I speak of necessity, and ask you to help me keep from being a monster.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It contrasts moral accusations with claims of necessity to justify harsh actions.
- In plain terms
- You call me a monster but I am trying to stop one.
- What can you take from it?
- Necessity is often used to excuse morally questionable acts.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does necessity justify harm?
- Can you avoid being a monster?
Another view
Necessity can be a false cover for cruelty.
More from Orson Scott Card
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