The statement emphasizes that terror is an absolute concept without gradations; it cannot be categorized as good or bad. This means that any act of terror, regardless of its intended purpose or justification, remains inherently negative and harmful. The speaker asserts there are no acceptable forms of terror because the essence of terror itself lies in its destructive and terrifying nature.
On a deeper level, this quote challenges the idea of justifying violent acts under certain circumstances. It suggests that actions like murder and terrorism cannot be condoned even if they are part of a larger strategic or political objective. The statement underscores the importance of rejecting violence as a means to achieve any end, no matter how noble it may seem from an ideological perspective. By drawing a clear line between right and wrong in this context, the speaker encourages critical thinking about the moral implications of violent actions.
The quote is attributed to Ariel Sharon, who was an Israeli military leader and later served as Prime Minister of Israel. Known for his controversial policies and actions during times of conflict with Palestinian groups and other nations, Sharon's perspective on terror reflects a hardline stance against violence and extremism in achieving political goals. His background in military strategy and governance provides context to the assertive nature of this statement about terrorism and its moral implications.