There is no feeling, except the extremes of fear and grief, that does not find relief in music.
T. S. EliotRead
I do not approve the extermination of the enemy; the policy of exterminating or, as it is barbarously said, liquidating enemies, is one of the most alarming developments of modern war and peace, from the point of view of those who desire the survival
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the brutal practices of exterminating enemies in warfare, highlighting the moral implications.
T. S. Eliot expresses deep concern about the trend of exterminating enemies in modern warfare, which reflects broader issues surrounding morality, humanity, and the very essence of survival. He suggests that this approach is not only barbaric but also indicative of a troubling shift in the values governing conflicts and peace, urging a reconsideration of how we view our adversaries and the ethics of warfare.
Themes
WarPeaceMoralityExterminationSurvival
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on the ethics of military strategies, this quote can serve as a critical viewpoint.
More from T. S. Eliot
All quotes →Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don't mean to do harm. But the harm does not interest them.
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I am an Anglo-Catholic in religion, a classicist in literature and a royalist in politics.
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If you aren't in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?
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For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.
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In the faint moonlight, the grass is singing
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