There can be no compromise with war; it cannot be reformed or controlled; cannot be disciplined into decency or codified into common sense.
Jeannette RankinRead
The most important accomplishment, I believe, was my voting against the First World War.
Interpretation
Jeannette Rankin emphasizes the significance of standing up for one's beliefs, even in the face of widespread opposition.
In this quote, Jeannette Rankin reflects on the courage required to vote against the First World War when such a decision was unpopular. It highlights the importance of personal conviction and moral integrity in the face of societal pressures, suggesting that true accomplishment lies not in conforming to the majority, but in adhering to oneβs principles.
In practice
During a speech on the importance of civic duty, I referenced Rankin's quote to inspire others to participate in voting.
There can be no compromise with war; it cannot be reformed or controlled; cannot be disciplined into decency or codified into common sense.
As a woman I can't go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.
I worked for suffrage for years, and got it. I've worked for peace for 55 years and haven't come close.
Small use it will be to save democracy for the race if we cannot save the race for democracy.
I want to stand by my country, but I cannot vote for war.
It will be hard to convince people that their welfare is safe in the hands of a federal government when they feel themselves the victims of unjust sectional discrimination.
Of men who have a sense of honor, more come through alive than are slain, but from those who flee comes neither glory nor any help.
All is not lost, the unconquerable will, and study of revenge, immortal hate, and the courage never to submit or yield.
I am going to give you such a weapon that the police and the army will not be able to stand against it. It is the weapon of the Prophet, but you are not aware of it. That weapon is patience and righteousness. No power on earth can stand against it.
I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonour. But I believe that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment.
What happened in Iraq and Syria was that the world remained silent as ISIS expanded.
Fortune is not on the side of the faint-hearted.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.