"If civilians are going to be killed, I would rather have them be their civilians than our civilians"

This quote by Stuart Symington talks to the idea of self-sacrifice and the determination to put the lives of others before one's own. Symington is recommending that if civilians are going to be eliminated in a dispute, it is much better that they be the opponent's civilians than one's own. This is an honorable sentiment, as it implies that Symington is willing to put the lives of others prior to his own, even if it indicates sacrificing his own individuals. This quote speaks with the concept of selflessness and the desire to put the lives of others prior to one's own. It also talks to the concept of patriotism and the determination to put one's nation prior to oneself. Symington's quote is a suggestion that, even in times of dispute, it is necessary to bear in mind the value of human life and to put the lives of others prior to one's own.