Millard Weisen
17th November 2005, 02:53 PM (14:53)
When our own nation is at war with any other, we detest them under the character of cruel, unjust and violent: But always esteem ourelves as equitable, moderate and merciful. If the general of our enemies be sucessful, 'tis with difficulty we allow him the figure and character of a man. He is a sorcerer: He has communications with demons. He is bloody-minded, and takes a pleasure in death and destruction.
But, if the sucess be on our side, our commander has all the opposite good qualities, and is a pattern of virtue, as well as courage and conduct. His treachery we call policy: His cruelty is an evil inseparable from war.
In short, every one of his faults we either endeavour to extenuate, or dignify it with the name of that virtue, which approaches it. It is evident that the same method of thinking runs thro' common life.
David Hume
But, if the sucess be on our side, our commander has all the opposite good qualities, and is a pattern of virtue, as well as courage and conduct. His treachery we call policy: His cruelty is an evil inseparable from war.
In short, every one of his faults we either endeavour to extenuate, or dignify it with the name of that virtue, which approaches it. It is evident that the same method of thinking runs thro' common life.
David Hume