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.
God has given such brave soldiers to this Crown that, if they do not frighten our neighbours, at least they prevent us from being frightened by them.
I am astonished but not discouraged by my enormous responsibility. Devoted both from affection and duty to the cause of the people, I shall combat with equal ardor aristocracy, despotism, and faction.
The punishment β to the body, the brain, the spirit β a man must endure to become even a moderately good boxer is inconceivable to most of us whose idea of personal risk is largely ego-related or emotional.
Never give up. Never give in. Never become hostile... Hate is too big a burden to bear.
In time of war, soldiers, however sensible, care a great deal more on some occasions about slaking their thirst than about the danger of enteric fever. Better known as typhoid, the disease is often spread by drinking contaminated water.
If it is nothingness that awaits us, let us make an injustice of it, let us fight against destiny, even without hope of victory.
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