The gallantry and aggressive fighting spirit of the Russian soldiers command the American army's admiration.
If there be no right of rebellion against a state of things that no savage tribe would endure without resistance, then I am sure that it is better for men to fight and die without right than to live in such a state of right as this.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote conveys the idea that fighting against injustice, even if it leads to death, is preferable to living under unbearable conditions.
Roger Casement's quote expresses a powerful sentiment regarding the moral obligation to resist oppression and injustice. He emphasizes that if a situation is so intolerable that even the most primitive societies would reject it, then fighting against such conditions, even without a legitimate right, is more honorable than accepting a life of misery and subjugation. This reflects a deep understanding of human dignity and the necessity of standing up for one's beliefs.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech at a human rights rally to inspire action against oppression.
Similar quotes
The masses don't shed their blood for the benefit of a few individuals.
Vulnerability is not weakness, and the uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure we face every day are not optional. Our only choice is a question of engagement. Our willingness to own and engage with our vulnerability determines the depth of our courage and the clarity of our purpose; the level to which we protect ourselves from being vulnerable is a measure of our fear and disconnection.
Nature creates few men brave, industry and training makes many.
When this ugly gangster told Joe Glaser that he must take the name of Armstrong down, off of the marquee, and it was an 'order from Al Capone,' Mr. Glaser looked this cat straight in the face and told him these words: 'I think that Louis Armstrong is the world's greatest, and this is my place, and I defy anybody to take his name down from there.'
Except a person be part coward, it is not a compliment to say he is brave.