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
There is many a boy here today who looks on war as all glory, but, boys, it is all hell.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War is often romanticized, but the reality is filled with suffering and destruction.
In this quote, William Tecumseh Sherman emphasizes the stark contrast between the idealistic perceptions of war—often seen as glorious by young men—and the grim reality it entails. By referring to war as 'all hell,' he aims to enlighten those who are drawn to the notion of bravery and honor in battle, urging them to confront the true horrors that warfare brings.
Themes
WarGloryRealitySufferingTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the consequences of war, you might say, 'As Sherman wisely stated, many see glory in battle, but the truth is, it is hell.'
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes →Every attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
I 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
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