I am not now thinking of the loss of property involved, immense and serious as that is, but only for the wanton and wholesale destruction of the lives of non-combatants, men, women, and children, engaged in pursuits which have always, even in the darkest periods of modern history, been deemed innocent and legitimate. Property can be paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be. Which statement best describes the main idea of the excerpt?

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English

Cristal Spears

2 December, 21:55

I am not now thinking of the loss of property involved, immense and serious as that is, but only for the wanton and wholesale destruction of the lives of non-combatants, men, women, and children, engaged in pursuits which have always, even in the darkest periods of modern history, been deemed innocent and legitimate. Property can be paid for; the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be. Which statement best describes the main idea of the excerpt?

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Answers (1)

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Ivan · Answer 1

Human lives are worth more than material items.

Explanation:

The passage was taken from Woodrow Wilson's speech, "War Message to Congress." After reading it, we can conclude that this specific part of the speech discusses the importance of human lives. In a war, property is lost. Even though property is valuable, it can be paid for, it can be built again. But, as Wilson says, "the lives of peaceful and innocent people cannot be". Human lives should, therefore, be the priority of those responsible for governing the country.