The age of Chivalry is gone. An age of Humanity has come.
Charles SumnerRead
Can there be in our age any peace that is not honorable, any war that is not dishonorable?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote questions the morality of peace and war in contemporary society.
Charles Sumner's quote reflects on the ethical implications of both peace and war in modern times. He suggests that true peace must be honorable, devoid of dishonor or corruption, while also indicating that any war fought for unjust reasons is inherently disgraceful. The quote challenges individuals to evaluate the morality behind political actions and conflicts, urging a deep reflection on the values that define our age.
Themes
PeaceWarHonorMoralityEthics
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about political ethics, one might say, 'As Charles Sumner once asked, can there be peace without honor?'
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War is a positive, precise and specific evil, of gigantic proportions ...making within the sphere of its influence all true grandeur impossible.
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The true grandeur of humanity is in moral elevation, sustained, enlightened and decorated by the intellect of man
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No true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.
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Give me the money that has been spent in war and I will clothe every man, woman, and child in an attire of which kings and queens will be proud. I will build a schoolhouse in every valley over the whole earth. I will crown every hillside with a place of worship consecrated to peace.
Charles SumnerRead
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