Our words, actions, and diplomatic efforts should be aimed at trying to achieve pragmatic goals rather than creating rhetorical effect.
Atal Bihari VajpayeeRead
It requires an effort of logical acrobatics to believe that carnage of innocents is an instrument for freedom and elections are a symbol of deception and repression!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the paradoxes of justifying violence for the sake of freedom and how elections may mask true oppression.
In this quote, Atal Bihari Vajpayee highlights the irony and cognitive dissonance involved in believing that violence against innocents can be justified as a means to achieve freedom. He calls into question the integrity of elections, suggesting that they may be more about deception and repression rather than genuine representation or liberation, thus provoking a deeper reflection on the ethics of political actions and the true nature of democratic processes.
Themes
FreedomViolenceDeceptionElectionsPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, one might use this quote to illustrate the moral complexities involved in justifying war.
More from Atal Bihari Vajpayee
All quotes →Terrorism has become a festering wound. It is an enemy of humanity.
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Whatever understanding is reached with Pakistan has to be followed honestly, and everybody will have to rise above party politics and be actively committed to make India prosperous.
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Our frequent initiatives to normalise relations with Pakistan are not a sign of our weakness; rather, they are an indication of our commitment to peace.
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No guns but only brotherhood can resolve the problems.
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We believe in resolving all disputes peacefully.
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