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
I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote humorously reflects on the fickle nature of fame, especially in the context of military glory.
William Tecumseh Sherman uses this quote to highlight the ironic and often overlooked realities of military fame. He points out that despite the honor associated with dying in battle, the aftermath often involves trivial mistakes, such as having one's name misspelled in newspapers, which underscores the lack of true recognition and the absurdity of seeking glory in warfare.
Themes
MilitaryFameIronyBattleNewspapers
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the realities of war to emphasize the irony of seeking glory.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes βEvery attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
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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