An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War cannot be simplified or sanitized without negative consequences.
William Tecumseh Sherman's quote emphasizes that efforts to make warfare more manageable or safer ultimately lead to failure and disgrace. It highlights the inherent complexity and brutality of war, suggesting that any attempt to remove its harsh realities will likely lead to disastrous outcomes.
Themes
WarDisasterAttemptsHumiliationSafetyComplexity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the realities of war and the importance of understanding its consequences.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes βI think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
The young bloods of the South: sons of planters, lawyers about towns, good billiard-players and sportsmen, men who never did any work and never will... They are splendid riders, first-rate shots and utterly reckless. These men must all be killed or employed by us before we can hope for peace.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
You people of the South don't know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you don't know what you're talking about.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
War's Legitimate Object Is More Perfect Peace.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
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