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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the root cause of war is profit, and true peace can only be achieved by addressing economic incentives.
Smedley Butler emphasizes that war is driven by the profits it generates for a few individuals or groups, while the majority suffer the consequences. He argues that traditional methods of conflict resolution, such as disarmament or peace talks, are insufficient to end the cycle of war. Instead, the quote advocates for a fundamental change in how society views and profits from war, suggesting that by eliminating the financial incentives associated with warfare, lasting peace can be achieved.
Themes
WarProfitPeaceDisarmamentConflict
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing military funding, this quote can highlight the need to reassess our motivations for war.
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
It is dressed into speeches about patriotism, love of country...but the profits...skyrocket.
Smedley ButlerRead
We must take the profit out of war.
Smedley ButlerRead
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