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I regard almost all quarrels of princes on the same footing, and I see nothing that marks man's unreason so positively as war. Indeed, what folly to kill one another for interests often imaginary, and always for the pleasure of persons who do not think themselves even obliged to those who sacrifice themselves for them!
Mary Wortley Montagu
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote criticizes the senselessness of war and highlights the irrationality of conflicts driven by the selfish interests of leaders.

Mary Wortley Montagu's quote reflects on the absurdity of warfare, illustrating how conflicts between leaders often have little to do with the common people who bear the brunt of these quarrels. She emphasizes that many of these disputes are based on imaginary interests that serve only the privileged few, who remain indifferent to the sacrifices made by those who fight on their behalf. The quote showcases a deep frustration with the nature of war and the profound folly of killing in the name of such trivial matters.

Themes

WarUnreasonFollyConflictLeadersSacrifice

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the futility of war at a conference, one might quote Montagu to emphasize the irrationality of conflicts.

More from Mary Wortley Montagu

Whoever will cultivate their own mind will find full employment. Every virtue does not only require great care in the planting, but as much daily solicitude in cherishing as exotic fruits and flowers; the vices and passions (which I am afraid are the natural product of the soil) demand perpetual weeding. Add to this the search after knowledge. . . and the longest life is too short.
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There is no remedy so easy as books, which if they do not give cheerfulness, at least restore quiet to the most troubled mind.
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My chief study all my life has been to lighten misfortunes and multiply pleasures, as far as human nature can.
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Strictly speaking, there is but one real evil: I mean acute pain. All other complaints are so considerably diminished by time that it is plain the grief is owing to our passion, since the sensation of it vanishes when that is over.
Mary Wortley MontaguRead

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