“No mother would ever willingly sacrifice her sons for territorial gain, for economic advantage, for ideology.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“No mother would ever willingly sacrifice her sons for territorial gain, for economic advantage, for ideology.”
Explanation
In this quote, Ronald Reagan emphasizes the human cost of war and the deeply personal nature of loss that transcends political motives. By invoking the figure of a mother, he highlights the moral and emotional weight of sending young men (and by extension, women) into battle—not as strategic assets, but as cherished individuals. The statement argues that no parent would ever choose to see their child die for abstract objectives like land, profit, or political doctrine, underscoring the disconnect between the human cost of war and the ambitions of those who wage it.
Reagan, despite his strong stance on military preparedness and defense during the Cold War, frequently spoke of the tragedy of war and the need to pursue peace through strength, not aggression. This quote reflects his awareness that the consequences of conflict are most acutely felt by ordinary people, not by the policymakers or generals who order it. It also serves as a critique of leaders—past or present—who have initiated wars for reasons devoid of moral justification.
Today, Reagan’s words continue to resonate in discussions about military intervention, national interest, and foreign policy ethics. The quote reminds us that behind every geopolitical decision are real human lives, and that any justification for war must be weighed against the irreplaceable loss borne by families. It is a call to treat decisions of war and peace not as strategic abstractions, but as matters of profound human consequence.
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