The power of words is undeniable. They can inspire, comfort, and motivate. But words can also be deadly. They can incite violence, hatred, and even death. This is especially true for words about killing. From ancient philosophers to modern-day leaders, many have put their thoughts on killing into words. Here are 50 quotes about killing that reveal just how deadly words can be.
“Kill one man, and you are a murderer. Kill millions of men, and you are a conqueror. Kill them all, and you are a god.”
Jean Rostand
This quote highlights the idea that the more people you kill, the more power and control you have. It exposes the twisted logic of those who seek to dominate through violence.
“The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic.”
Joseph Stalin
This quote reflects the idea that people are more likely to feel empathy for an individual’s death than for the deaths of many. It exposes the callousness of those who see human life as disposable.
“The best revenge is massive success.”
Frank Sinatra
This quote suggests that success can be a form of revenge against those who have wronged you. It exposes the idea that success can justify violence or harm against others.
“If you want peace, prepare for war.”
Vegetius
This quote suggests that military strength is necessary to maintain peace. It exposes the idea that violence can be a means to an end, rather than an end in itself.
“Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor.”
Robert A. Heinlein
This quote suggests that violence is an effective way to solve problems. It exposes the idea that might makes right.
“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.”
Mahatma Gandhi
This quote suggests that revenge perpetuates violence and harm. It exposes the idea that violence can never truly solve a problem.
“Some people just need to be killed.”
Unknown
This quote suggests that some people are not worthy of living. It exposes the idea that human life is disposable and that some people are less deserving of life than others.
“Kill them all and let God sort them out.”
Arnold von Winkelried
This quote suggests that it is better to kill indiscriminately than to risk letting an enemy escape. It exposes the idea that the ends justify the means.
“To kill a man is not to defend a doctrine, but to kill a man.”
Michael Servetus
This quote suggests that killing someone is not justified by a difference in ideology or belief. It exposes the idea that violence is a form of intolerance.
“I have never killed anyone, but I have read some obituary notices with great satisfaction.”
Clarence Darrow
This quote suggests that there are people who deserve to die. It exposes the idea that killing can bring a sense of satisfaction or pleasure.
“If you kill enough of them, they stop fighting.”
Curtis LeMay
This quote suggests that violence can break the will of an enemy. It exposes the idea that killing can be a form of psychological warfare.
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
Edmund Burke
This quote suggests that inaction can enable evil to flourish. It exposes the idea that violence is sometimes necessary to combat evil.
“It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”
Niccolo Machiavelli
This quote suggests that fear can be a more effective means of control than love. It exposes the idea that power justifies violence.
“I haven’t killed anyone, but I have certainly wanted to. I may have a disease.”
Steve Martin
This quote suggests that the desire to kill can be a form of mental illness. It exposes the idea that violence can be an uncontrollable impulse.
“It is sweet and honorable to die for one’s country.”
Horace
This quote suggests that dying for one’s country is a noble and honorable act. It exposes the idea that violence in the service of one’s country is justified.
“I have always felt that violence was the last refuge of the incompetent, and empty threats the last sanctuary of the terminally inept.”
Isaac Asimov
This quote suggests that violence is a sign of weakness and incompetence. It exposes the idea that violence is an ineffective way to solve problems.
“If you can’t beat them, arrange to have them beaten.”
George Carlin
This quote suggests that violence can be outsourced. It exposes the idea that violence can be an acceptable solution to problems if someone else does the dirty work.
“I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.”
Clarence Darrow
This quote suggests that there are people who deserve to die. It exposes the idea that killing can bring a sense of satisfaction or pleasure.
“It is better to be violent, if there is violence in our hearts, than to put on the cloak of nonviolence to cover impotence.”
Mahatma Gandhi
This quote suggests that violence can be a better option than nonviolence if it is driven by a genuine desire for change. It exposes the idea that nonviolence can be a cover for fear or inaction.
“The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.”
Wayne LaPierre
This quote suggests that the solution to gun violence is more guns. It exposes the idea that violence can be a solution to violence.
“I am not a killer, but I would have killed anyone who tried to harm my family.”
Ryan Reynolds
This quote suggests that violence can be justified if it is in defense of loved ones. It exposes the idea that there are circumstances where killing can be considered acceptable.
“The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.”
Walter Bagehot
This quote suggests that achieving what others believe is impossible is a source of joy. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to prove one’s strength or power.
“The most important thing in life is to stop saying ‘I wish’ and start saying ‘I will.’”
Charles Dickens
This quote suggests that taking action is more important than wishing for something. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to achieve one’s goals.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Peter Drucker
This quote suggests that taking control of one’s life is the key to success. It exposes the idea that violence can be a means of taking control.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
Franklin D. Roosevelt
This quote suggests that fear is the greatest obstacle to progress. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to overcome fear.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
This quote suggests that true character is revealed in difficult times. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to prove one’s courage or strength in challenging situations.
“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”
Isaac Asimov
This quote suggests that violence is a sign of weakness and incompetence. It exposes the idea that violence is an ineffective way to solve problems.
“The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil.”
Hannah Arendt
This quote suggests that evil is often the result of inaction or indifference. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to take a clear stand against evil.
“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”
Isaac Asimov
This quote suggests that violence is a sign of weakness and incompetence. It exposes the idea that violence is an ineffective way to solve problems.
“An unjust law is no law at all.”
St. Augustine
This quote suggests that laws that are unjust are not worthy of obedience. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to challenge or change unjust laws.
“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”
Ernest Hemingway
This quote suggests that trust is essential for healthy relationships. It exposes the idea that violence can be a sign of a lack of trust or betrayal.
“We make war that we may live in peace.”
Aristotle
This quote suggests that violence can be a necessary means to an end. It exposes the idea that peace can be achieved through war.
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”
Amelia Earhart
This quote suggests that taking action is the most difficult part of achieving success. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to demonstrate determination or persistence.
“Violence is never the answer, but sometimes it’s the question.”
Unknown
This quote suggests that violence can be a tempting solution to difficult problems. It exposes the idea that violence can be a way to demonstrate power or control.
“The only thing worse than a man you can’t control is a man you can.”
Margo Kaufman
This quote suggests that control can be a dangerous thing. It exposes the idea that violence can be a tool for control.
“I am the punishment of God…If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.”
“I am the punishment of God…If you had not committed great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you.”
