“If there ever could be a justifiable war in the name of and for humanity, a war against Germany, to prevent the wanton persecution of a whole race, would be completely justified. But I do not believe in any war. A discussion of the pros and cons of such a war is therefore outside my horizon or province.”
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Two convictions sit side by side here without collapsing into each other: a horror can be evil enough to demand a response, and organized killing can still be a means you refuse to endorse. Naming a cause as just doesn't automatically license every method of pursuing it — the end and the means get judged separately.
When to use it
- A parent furious at a bully still refuses to teach their child to settle it with fists.
- An activist certain a company is polluting won't sabotage its equipment to make the point.
- A manager convinced a colleague is lying declines to spread rumors even to expose him.