“You can wipe out your opponents. But if you do it unjustly you become eligible for being wiped out yourself.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“You can wipe out your opponents. But if you do it unjustly you become eligible for being wiped out yourself.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway emphasizes the importance of justice and morality in conflict. While one can defeat or “wipe out” their opponents, acting unjustly in doing so makes them vulnerable to the same fate. The idea is that unjust actions—whether in war, politics, or any form of competition—create a cycle of violence or retribution, where the wrongdoer ultimately becomes susceptible to the consequences of their own behavior. Hemingway suggests that righteousness and honor are integral to victory, and without them, one may achieve short-term success but will ultimately face the moral consequences of their actions.
This quote is especially relevant in the context of Hemingway’s works, where characters often find themselves engaged in moral struggles in difficult, life-and-death situations. In For Whom the Bell Tolls and A Farewell to Arms, the characters deal with the ethical dilemmas of war, where violence is often inevitable but should be tempered by a sense of honor and justice. Hemingway’s quote can be understood as a warning about the long-term consequences of betrayal, oppression, or cruelty—once a person acts unjustly, they open themselves up to becoming the target of retaliation or judgment.
In the modern context, this quote resonates with how power dynamics and moral choices shape not only the immediate outcomes of conflicts but also the long-term reputations and consequences for individuals, groups, or even nations. In today’s world, unjust actions—whether in politics, corporate dealings, or international relations—often lead to a backlash, whether in the form of legal consequences, public outrage, or international conflict. Hemingway’s quote serves as a reminder that morality and justice are essential in how we engage with others, especially when we hold power over them. Unjust actions may lead to temporary gains, but they also make the wrongdoer vulnerable to eventual retribution.
