I wonder how the foreign policies of the United States would look if we wiped out the national boundaries of the world, at least in our minds, and thought of all children everywhere as our own.
There is no flag large enough to cover the shame of killing innocent people.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the moral shame associated with violence against innocent individuals, suggesting that no justification can erase this wrongdoing.
Howard Zinn's quote highlights the profound moral implications of violence, particularly when directed at innocent people. It suggests that the act of killing, especially of those who are not involved in conflict, brings an irremovable shame that cannot be concealed or justified by any external symbol, such as a flag. Zinn calls into question the narratives that often accompany war and violence, urging us to consider the humanity of those whose lives are taken and the ethical ramifications of such actions.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about war crimes, one might cite this quote to underline the moral responsibilities of nations.
More from Howard Zinn
All quotes βHistory can come in handy. If you were born yesterday, with no knowledge of the past, you might easily accept whatever the government tells you. But knowing a bit of history--while it would not absolutely prove the government was lying in a given instance--might make you skeptical, lead you to ask questions, make it more likely that you would find out the truth.
Objectivity is impossible and it is also undesirable. That is, if it were possible it would be undesirable, because if you have any kind of a social aim, if you think history should serve society in some way; should serve the progress of the human race; should serve justice in some way, then it requires that you make your selection on the basis of what you think will advance causes of humanity.
The historian's distortion is more than technical, it is ideological; it is released into a world of contending interest, where any chosen emphasis supports some kind of interest, whether economic or political or racial, or national or sexual.
Americans have been taught that their nation is civilized and humane. But, too often, U.S. actions have been uncivilized and inhumane.
The challenge remains. On the other side are formidable forces: money, political power, the major media. On our side are the people of the world and a power greater than money or weapons: the truth.
Similar quotes
No one, it has been said, will ever look at the Moon in the same way again. More significantly can one say that no one will ever look at the earth in the same way. Man had to free himself from earth to perceive both its diminutive place in a solar system and its inestimable value as a life -fostering planet. As earthmen, we may have taken another step into adulthood. We can see our planet earth with detachment, with tenderness, with some shame and pity, but at last also with love.
What really counted was the possibility of escape, a leap to freedom, out of the implacable ritual, a wild run for it that would give whatever chance for hope there was. Of course, hope meant being cut down on some street corner, as you ran like mad, by a random bullet. But when I really thought it through, nothing was going to allow me such a luxury. Everything was against it; I would just be caught up in the machinery again.
It is only the superficial qualities that last. Man's deeper nature is soon found out.
When you are studying any matter or considering any philosophy, ask yourself only: what are the facts, and what is the truth that the facts bear out. Never let yourself be diverted by what you wish to believe, but look only and surely at what are the facts.
God is better served in resisting a temptation to evil than in many formal prayers.
There is but an inch of difference between a cushioned chamber and a padded cell.