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.
Howard ZinnRead
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
ShameViolenceInnocentKillingMoralityEthics
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.
Howard ZinnRead
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.
Howard ZinnRead
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.
Howard ZinnRead
Americans have been taught that their nation is civilized and humane. But, too often, U.S. actions have been uncivilized and inhumane.
Howard ZinnRead
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.
Howard ZinnRead
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