On the record
The swagger of a bully is called chivalry; a swiftness to quarrel is called courage; the bludgeon is adopted as substitute for argument; and assassination is lifted to be one of the Fine Arts.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner critiques the false notions of bravery and honor that justify violence and oppression.
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It applies an arrogant and unrelenting ostracism to all who express themselves against Slavery.
Endeavor, for a moment, by comparison with other interests, to grapple with this sum.
Nay, more,--if it would be criminal in these several clusters of States to reëstablish the Institution of War as Arbiter of Justice, then is it criminal in the Commonwealth of Nations to continue it.
They who strive after it, Ixion-like, embrace a cloud.
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