In this quote, the author reflects on the moral complexity of violence and principles, questioning whether killing strangers for one's beliefs is more virtuous than attacking neighbors out of malice. It highlights the difficulty in judging which actions are morally superior when violence is involved, emphasizing the ambiguity of moral superiority in such situations.

The author expresses relief at not needing to decide which form of violence is more justified, suggesting that both types of violence involve moral gray areas. This contemplation underscores the challenges in making ethical judgments about acts of violence motivated either by conviction or personal animosity.