War is a racket. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.
Smedley ButlerRead
For a great many years, as a soldier, I had a suspicion that war was a racket; not until I retired to civil life did I fully realize it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the realization that war often serves the interests of a few rather than the common good.
Smedley Butler, a former general, reflects on his experience in the military, suggesting that the true nature of war is often exploitative, benefiting those in power and causing suffering for regular soldiers and civilians. His observation sheds light on the corrupt motives behind warfare and implies a need for societal awareness and change regarding the glorification of military conflict.
Themes
WarRacketSoldierPhilosophyRealization
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the ethics of military interventions.
More from Smedley Butler
All quotes →Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they are victorious. They just take it. This newly acquired territory promptly is exploited by the few - the selfsame few who wrung dollars out of blood in the war. The general public shoulders the bill.
Smedley ButlerRead
The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag.
Smedley ButlerRead
I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long... Looking back on it, I feel I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three city districts. We Marines operated on three continents.
Smedley ButlerRead
A few profit - and the many pay. But there is a way to stop it. You can't end it by disarmament conferences. You can't eliminate it by peace parleys at Geneva. Well-meaning but impractical groups can't wipe it out by resolutions. It can be smashed effectively only by taking the profit out of war.
Smedley ButlerRead
It is dressed into speeches about patriotism, love of country...but the profits...skyrocket.
Smedley ButlerRead
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