If democracy brings an undemocratic group to power, is that a victory for democracy?
Richard EngelRead
War does horrible things to human beings, to societies. It brings out the best, but most often the worst, in our human nature.
Interpretation
War reveals both the good and bad aspects of human nature and society.
This quote emphasizes the dual nature of war, highlighting that while it can lead to acts of heroism and bravery, it predominantly exposes humanity's darker tendencies, such as violence and destruction. War fundamentally transforms societies and individuals, revealing their true character in extreme circumstances.
In practice
During discussions on the impacts of war, this quote can be used to illustrate the complexities of human behavior.
If democracy brings an undemocratic group to power, is that a victory for democracy?
Humans are producers of their life circumstance not just products of them.
But shall we wear these glories for a day? Or shall they last, and we rejoice in them?
There are no perfect human beings! Persons can be found who are good, very good indeed, in fact, great. There do in fact exist creators, seers, sages, saints, shakers, and movers...even if they are uncommon and do not come by the dozen. And yet these very same people can at times be boring, irritating, petulant, selfish, angry, or depressed. To avoid disillusionment with human nature, we must first give up our illusions about it.
The compass of compassion asks not what is good for me? but what is good? Not what is best for me but what is best. Not what is right for me but what is right. Not how much can we take? but How much ought we leave? and how much might we give? Not what is easy but what is worthy. Not what is practical but what is moral.
Punishment is justice for the unjust.
We can be blind to the obvious, and we are also blind to our blindness.
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