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
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