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About this quote

What does it mean?
Even civilized nations resort to extreme measures when desperate, questioning their value.
In plain terms
Civilized states sometimes use terrible methods out of need.
What can you take from it?
Desperation can push nations to unacceptable acts.

Where it applies

  • conflict analysis
  • ethical debates
  • historical review

Putting it to work

  • evaluate wartime ethics
  • question necessity
  • review history

Questions to consider

  • When do ends justify means?
  • What defines civilized behavior?

Another view

The quote reflects cynicism about civilized norms.

More from Winston Churchill

  1. We know that he has, more than any other man, the gift of compressing the largest amount of words into the smallest amount of thought.

    Permalink to quote #191
  2. When I am abroad, I always make it a rule never to criticise or attack the government of my own country. I make up for lost time when I come home.

    Permalink to quote #193
  3. We didn't come this far because we are made of sugar candy.

    Permalink to quote #190

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