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Naturally, it is a terrible, despicable crime when, as in Munich, people are taken hostage, people are killed. But probing the motives of those responsible and showing that they are also individuals with families and have their own story does not excuse what they did.
Steven Spielberg
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the complexity of understanding human actions, even in the face of terrible crimes, while not justifying those actions.

In this quote, Steven Spielberg addresses the tragic events in Munich, where individuals were taken hostage and killed. He emphasizes that while it is important to understand the motivations of the perpetrators, such understanding does not absolve them of their heinous crimes. This reflects a philosophical exploration of morality, accountability, and the balance between empathy for the human experience and the condemnation of violence.

Themes

CrimeUnderstandingMoralityEmpathyViolence

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about terrorism and the individual's role in society.

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There are so many rumours about so many of us in the public eye. Sometimes it's too hard to deny what is not true.
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