We've learned how to destroy, but not to create; how to waste, but not to build; how to kill men, but not how to save them; how to die, but seldom how to live.
It is to the United States that all freemen look for the light and the hope of the world. Unless we dedicate ourselves completely to this struggle, unless we combat hunger with food, fear with trust, suspicion with faith, fraud with justice - and threats with power, nations will surrender to the futility, the hopelessness, the panic on which wars feed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the responsibility of the United States as a beacon of hope for freedom and the need for dedication to combating global issues.
Omar N. Bradley's quote reflects the notion that the United States serves as a symbol of hope and freedom for oppressed individuals worldwide. It stresses the importance of fully committing to the struggle against various societal issues such as hunger, fear, and injustice. Bradley warns that without this dedication, nations may succumb to despair and turmoil, which can ultimately lead to conflict and war. The call to action is a reminder that proactive efforts are necessary to maintain hope and prevent the breakdown of societies.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about community service and social responsibility.
More from Omar N. Bradley
All quotes →If you will help run our government in the American way, then there will never be any danger of our government running America in the wrong way.
Wars can be prevented just as surely as they can be provoked, and we who fail to prevent them must share the guilt for the dead.
The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness.
We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the sermon on the mount.
I am convinced that the best service a retired general can perform is to turn in his tongue along with his suit and to mothball his opinions.
Similar quotes
We must use words to uplift and include. We can use our words to fight back against oppression and hate. But we must also channel our words into action.
Sometimes, people call my way of speaking ranting. Why are you always ranting and screaming, they ask. But here’s the thing…the reason why I rant is because I am a voice for many women that cannot speak out to heads of state, UN officials, and those that influence systems of oppression. And so I rant. And I will not stop ranting until my mission of equality of all girls is achieved.
Young men go to war. Sometimes because they have to, sometimes because they want to. Always, they feel they are supposed to. This comes from the sad, layered stories of life, which over the centuries have seen courage confused with picking up arms, and cowardice confused with laying them down.
The cause doesn't have to be righteous and battle doesn't have to be winnable; but over and over again throughout history, men have chosen to die in battle with their friends rather than to flee on their own and survive.
For it has been said, all that a man hath will he give for his life; and while all contribute of their substance the soldier puts his life at stake, and often yields it up in his country's cause. The highest merit, then is due to the soldier.
When one gets beaten by somebody better, one has to know how to lose with humility. Sure, I could have served better. Sure, I could have hit my forehand harder. But the truth was this was like an avalanche, and there was no way to stop it.