In a world built on violence, one must be a revolutionary before one can be a pacifist.
A. J. MusteRead
The whole underside of our society has always been violence and still is. Churches, laws - everybody seems to think that man is a noble savage. But he's only an animal. A meat-eating, talking animal. Recognize it. He also has grace and love and beauty. But don't say to me we're not violent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the inherent violence in human nature and society while also acknowledging beauty and grace.
Sam Peckinpah's quote presents a stark view of humanity, asserting that beneath the surface of civilization, we are driven by primal instincts, primarily violence. He critiques the romanticized notion of humans as noble beings, suggesting instead that we are complex creatures capable of both brutality and beauty, and encourages an honest recognition of our darker traits alongside our capacity for kindness and artistry.
Themes
ViolenceHuman NatureSocietyNoble SavageBeautyGrace
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing the duality of human nature.
Similar quotes
Without free speech no search for truth is possible... no discovery of truth is useful.
Charles BradlaughRead
Death focuses the mind on the things that really matter: why are we here, and what should we do?
Arthur C. ClarkeRead
To write an autobiography, you've got to expose other people. I hope to get out of this world as gracefully as possible, without embarrassing anyone.
Cary GrantRead
Suspicion is only another form of cowardice. The man who suspects constantly suspects because he is afraid. Whenever you find a man with a free, frank, generous, brave nature, you will find that man without suspicion.
Robert Green IngersollRead
I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hatethe corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity. I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all frauds, and the grossest of all libels.
Frederick DouglassRead