Men do not fight for flag or country, for the Marine Corps or glory or any other abstraction. They fight for one another. And if you came through this ordeal, you would age with dignity.
But there are no loners. No man lives in a void. His every act is conditioned by his time and his society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their society and times.
William Manchester's quote illustrates the concept that no person exists in isolation; our actions, thoughts, and beliefs are significantly influenced by the societal and historical context in which we find ourselves. It reminds us that we are inherently social beings shaped by the interactions with those around us and the times we live in, suggesting that understanding this connection is crucial to understanding human behavior and community.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about societal influence on behavior, you could use this quote to highlight how a person's actions are shaped by their surroundings.
More from William Manchester
All quotes βHe was a great thundering paradox of a man.
He [Gen. Douglas MacArthur] was a great thundering paradox of a man, noble and ignoble, inspiring and outrageous, arrogant and shy, the best of men and the worst of men, the most protean, most ridiculous, and most sublime.
The sum of a million facts is not the truth.
Similar quotes
The number and richness of man's signifiers always surpasses the set of defined objects that could be termed signifieds. The symbolic function must always precede its object and does not encounter reality except when it precedes it into the imaginary.
Society was cut in two: those who had nothing united in common envy; those who had anything united in common terror.
Is it not certain that the Creator yawns in earthquake and thunder and other popular displays, but toils in rounding the delicate spiral of a shell? -Yeats, The Trembling of the Veil
The sum of all is, if we would most truly enjoy the gift of Heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. While on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves.
Unless you have found something in life to live for that is more important to you than your own life, you will always be a slave. For all another man needs to do is threaten to take your life to get you to do his bidding.
We consider bibles and religions divine I do not say they are not divine. I say they have all grown out of you, and may grow out of you still. It is not they who give the life, it is you who give the life.