I have to admit that the empty prestige and the stupid glory - yes, the horrible rush, the deadly sense of importance that war brings to life - are hard illusions to shake off. Look at me, a war correspondent.
Interpretation
War can create a false sense of importance and glory that is difficult to overcome.
In this quote, Michael Hastings reflects on the deceptive allure of war, which often brings a fleeting sense of prestige and glory for those involved, particularly journalists like himself. He acknowledges how easy it is to become enamored with the excitement and importance that accompany warfare, despite the underlying horrors and emptiness that such illusions can mask. His insight serves as a reminder of the need to critically evaluate the narratives constructed around conflict and recognize the true costs hidden beneath the facade of glory.
In practice
In a discussion about the romanticization of military conflict.
In campaign reporting more than any other kind of press coverage, reporters aren't just covering a story, they're a part of it - influencing outcomes, setting expectations, framing candidates - and despite what they tell themselves, it's impossible to both be a part of the action and report on it objectively.
A woman I loved [Andi Parhamovich] was killed in Baghdad in January 2007 – al-Qaeda in Iraq took credit for it … The memorial service with me crying over an empty coffin.
Whenever you're reporting, there's always something you can't say or write, but the questions, you always want to get as close to that line as possible. You want to ask the tough questions.
The individual's desire to dominate his environment is not a desirable trait in a society which every day grows more and more confining.
Partial truths or half-truths are often more insidious than total falsehoods.
This demand follows from an insight that I was the first to articulate: that there are no moral facts.
In the long run, the people are our only appeal. The only ones who can free us are ourselves.
I like people. I like animals, too-whales and quail, dinosaurs and dodos. But I like human beings especially, and I am unhappy that the pool of human germ plasm, which determines the nature of the human race, is deteriorating.
Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the president.
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