Famous quote by Robert McNamara

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We burned to death 100,000 Japanese civilians in Tokyo - men, women and children. LeMay recognized that what he was doin
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"We burned to death 100,000 Japanese civilians in Tokyo - men, women and children. LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side had lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win?"

- Robert McNamara

About this Quote

This quote by Robert McNamara is a reflection on the morality of war. It describes the firebombing of Tokyo throughout World War II, which resulted in the death of 100,000 Japanese civilians. McNamara suggests that the morality of the act depends on the result of the war. If the Allied forces had lost, the firebombing would have been thought about immoral, however since they won, it is not viewed as such. This quote highlights the hypocrisy of war and the double standards that exist when it pertains to morality. It also serves as a tip of the disastrous consequences of war and the significance of thinking about the morality of our actions, regardless of the result.

About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Robert McNamara between June 9, 1916 and July 6, 2009. He/she was a famous Public Servant from USA. The author also have 5 other quotes.

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