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Any decent person who knows what warfare is can never go into battle with a whole heart.
Orson Scott Card
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Interpretation

What this quote means

War has a profound impact on the human spirit, making wholehearted participation difficult.

This quote by Orson Scott Card suggests that anyone with a moral understanding of the consequences of warfare cannot engage in it with complete sincerity or enthusiasm. The horrors and complexities of battle weigh heavily on one's conscience, preventing a pure-hearted approach to conflict.

Themes

WarfareMoralityConflictHeartBattle

In practice

Example use cases

Citing this quote in a discussion about the ethical implications of war.

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And enough for me that when my hand touched your shoulder, you leaned on me; and when you felt me slip away, you called my name.
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You take a step, then another. That's the journey. But to take a step with your eyes open is not a journey at all, it's a remaking of your own mind.
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I've had your tears with mine, and you've had mine with yours. I think that's more intimate even than a kiss.
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