I gambled on having the strength to live two lives, one for myself and one for the world.
Ruth BenedictRead
If we justify war, it is because all peoples always justify the traits of which they find themselves possessed, not because war will bear an objective examination of its merits
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that justifications for war stem from people's inherent traits rather than any objective evaluation of war's value.
Ruth Benedict emphasizes that the reasons people provide for justifying war are often reflections of their own characteristics and societal beliefs. Rather than arising from a rational assessment of war's value or consequences, these justifications are more about internal motivations and biases, illustrating how subjective perspectives shape perceptions of conflict.
Themes
WarJustificationConflictTraitsSubjectivity
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on military intervention, one might use this quote to illustrate the subjective nature of justifications for entering war.
More from Ruth Benedict
All quotes βThe happiest excitement in life is to be convinced that one is fighting for all one is worth on behalf of some clearly seen and deeply felt good, and against some greatly scorned evil.
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A man's indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude.
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The adequate study of culture, our own and those on the opposite side of the globe, can press on to fulfillment only as we learn today from the humanities as well as from the scientists.
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