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
War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War inherently involves suffering and brutality that cannot be softened or improved.
William Tecumseh Shermanβs quote emphasizes the harsh realities of war, portraying it as a cruel and destructive force that cannot be made more palatable. Instead of romanticizing warfare or trying to soften its impact, Sherman suggests that one must confront the brutal nature of conflict as it truly is, recognizing that any effort to refine or improve war is ultimately futile.
Themes
WarCrueltyBrutalityConflictSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a debate about the ethics of military action.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes βEvery 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
Similar quotes
Civilization depends on, and civility often requires, the willingness to say, 'What you are doing is none of my business' and 'What I am doing is none of your business.'
George WillRead
Whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your God.
Martin LutherRead
The common man, no matter how sharp and tough, actually enjoys having the wool pulled over his eyes, and makes it easier for the puller.
P. T. BarnumRead
Let people return to making knots on ropes, instead of writing.
LaoziRead
There is neither happiness nor misery in the world; there is only the comparison of one state with another, nothing more. He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness.
Alexandre DumasRead
Does this planet have enough resources so seven or eight billion can have the same level of consumption and waste that today is seen in rich societies? It is this level of hyper-consumption that is harming our planet.
Jose MujicaRead