War don't ennoble men, it turns 'em into dogs. It poisons the soul.
Interpretation
War degrades human beings and corrupts their morals.
James Jones's quote suggests that rather than elevating humanity, war diminishes it, transforming men into more animalistic beings. The harsh realities of conflict are said to taint the soul, leading to a loss of morality and decency in individuals swept up in violence and strife.
In practice
During a speech at a veterans' gathering, one could reference this quote to illustrate the psychological toll of war.
The kingdom is not an exclusive, well-trimmed suburb with snobbish rules about who can live there. No, it is for a larger, homelier, less self-conscious caste of people who understand they are sinners because they have experienced the yaw and pitch of moral struggle.
We're terrible animals. I think that the Earth's immune system is trying to get rid of us, as well it should.
The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.
With about a dozen assorted ongoing conflicts in the news every day, and with the stories becoming more horrific, the level of sadness becomes unbearable. And what becomes of our planet when that sadness becomes apathy? Because we feel helpless. And we turn our heads and turn the page.
I am not in England; I live in the Caribbean. So I am not hungover by prizes and awards because it does not happen very often.
Jesus was loyal to his apostles, with full knowledge of their cowardice. He was loyal to the poor, accepting the criticism of the Pharisees, so the destitute would never feel deserted. He was loyal to his father, accomplishing his will even unto death.
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