May the sun never set on American baseball.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Having found the bomb we have used it. We have used it against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare. We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the justification for using the atomic bomb as a means to end conflict and save lives.
Harry S. Truman's quote reflects on the controversial decision to use the atomic bomb during World War II, asserting that it was a necessary action against those who had perpetrated unprovoked attacks and violated wartime laws. He argues that this decision, while harsh, was made to expedite the end of the war and ultimately save many young American lives from further conflict.
Themes
WarAtomic BombJustificationPearl HarborSacrifice
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the necessity of difficult decisions in wartime, this quote by Truman can illustrate the burdens borne by leaders.
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I never would have agreed to the formulation of the Central Intelligence Agency back in forty-seven, if I had known it would become the American Gestapo.
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I would rather have peace in the world than be President.
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A President needs political understanding to run the government, but he may be elected without it.
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