The argument that someone is a bad man is an inadequate argument for war and certainly an inadequate and unacceptable argument for regime change.
Interpretation
Labeling someone as a 'bad man' does not justify war or changing their regime.
In this quote, John Major argues that the moral judgment of an individual as a 'bad man' is insufficient grounds for initiating warfare or attempting to alter the governmental structure of a country. Such a perspective calls for a more nuanced understanding of international relations and emphasizes the dangers of oversimplification in justifying military interventions.
In practice
In a debate on foreign policy, one could use this quote to argue against military intervention.
The sight of allegedly sophisticated politicians parroting complete tripe trivialises and demeans government and it has to be stopped. It's played a significant part in public disillusionment with politics and has led to the absurd situation where more people vote for 'Strictly Come Dancing' than voted in the general election.
I don't think nations can stand aside for ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Whether you agree with me or disagree with me; like me or loathe me, don't bind my hands when I am negotiating on behalf of the British nation.
Oh, I was not made for heaven. No, I don't want to go to heaven. Hell is much better. Think of all the interesting people you're going to meet down there!
Physicians think they are doing something for you by labeling what you have as a disease
The world remains beset by so much human suffering, poverty and deprivation. It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalised.
Life, after all, was a secret with the self. The more one gave out, the less there remained for the center--that center which she coveted for herself and recognized instantly in others. Fruits had it, the very heart of, say, a cherry, where the true worth and flavor lay. Some of course were flawed or hollow in there. Many, in fact.
There are few ways in which a man can be more innocently employed than in getting money.
Rama, the ancient idol of the heroic ages, the embodiment of truth, of morality, the ideal son, the ideal husband, and above all, the ideal king, this Rama has been presented before us by the great sage Valmiki. No language can be purer, none chaster, none more beautiful, and at the same time simpler, than the language in which the great poet has depicted the life of Rama.
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