“Even philosophers will praise war as ennobling mankind, forgetting the Greek who said: ‘War is bad in that it begets more evil than it kills.'”
- April 22, 1724 – February 12, 1804
- Born in Germany (East Prussia)
- Philosopher
- Through his representative works “Critique of Pure Reason” and “Critique of Practical Reason,” he explored the limits of reason and the foundations of morality, exerting a great influence on modern philosophy
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Quote
“Even philosophers will praise war as ennobling mankind, forgetting the Greek who said: ‘War is bad in that it begets more evil than it kills.'”
Explanation
In this quote, Immanuel Kant critiques the tendency of some philosophers to romanticize war as a means of promoting noble ideals or heroic actions. He highlights the irony that even those dedicated to moral and rational thought might praise war, overlooking the long-term suffering and destruction it causes. Kant references an ancient Greek perspective that acknowledges the tragic consequences of war, which often leads to more harm than the benefits it might bring. The quote underlines the moral complexity of war, suggesting that even in times of conflict, the negative consequences—such as the loss of life, psychological trauma, and social disintegration—often outweigh any perceived noble outcomes.
In the modern world, this view continues to resonate in discussions about the morality of war and the human cost of military conflict. For instance, many philosophers and ethicists today debate the justification for war, especially in the context of modern warfare where the effects of conflict are increasingly devastating due to advanced technology and widespread civilian impact. Kant’s quote urges us to critically examine the moral implications of war, questioning whether it truly serves humanity or whether it simply perpetuates violence and suffering. The idea that “war begets more evil than it kills” remains a poignant reminder of the devastating cycle of violence that can follow military interventions, such as the long-term societal trauma and destabilization seen in the aftermath of conflicts like the Iraq War or the Vietnam War.
Historically, Kant’s perspective on war reflects his Enlightenment values, which were deeply skeptical of violence as a means of solving political or social problems. Kant’s moral philosophy focused on the principle of peace, advocating for the establishment of a universal community based on moral law and mutual respect. His critique of war as a destructive force fits within his broader political philosophy, where he argued for republican government and international cooperation to prevent conflict. This stance was particularly radical during his time, as war was often viewed as an inevitable and sometimes even glorious aspect of statecraft. Kant’s argument remains influential today, especially in international relations and peace studies, where it continues to challenge the justification of war and calls for alternative paths toward global peace and cooperation.
