Generals aren't in the business of commenting on the correctness or incorrectness of the President's decisions. Anybody who thinks he should be able to do that ought to be fired on the spot.
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
Any soldier worth his salt should be antiwar. And still there are things worth fighting for.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True soldiers understand the horrors of war but recognize the necessity of fighting for just causes.
This quote emphasizes the paradox faced by soldiers, highlighting that while an understanding of the destructive nature of war fosters an antiwar sentiment, there are still certain principles and values that merit their defense. It suggests that the duty to protect one's beliefs and loved ones can justify the fight, even in the face of the inherent tragedies of war.
Themes
SoldierAntiwarFightValuesPrinciples
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech commemorating veterans to highlight their sacrifices despite the horrors of war.
More from Norman Schwarzkopf
All quotes βAs far as Saddam Hussein being a great military strategist, he is neither a strategist, nor is he schooled in the operational arts, nor is he a tactician, nor is he a general, nor is he a soldier. Other than that, he's a great military man, I want you to know that.
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
All you have to do is hold your first soldier who is dying in your arms, and have that terribly futile feeling that I can't do anything about it... Then you understand the horror of war.
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
I am living proof that if you catch prostate cancer early, it can be reduced to a temporary inconvenience, and you can go back to a normal life.
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
Good generalship is a realization that... you've got to try and figure out how to accomplish your mission with a minimum loss of human life.
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
I'm not proud of killing, of being responsible for the death of a single person. I never will be.
Norman SchwarzkopfRead
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