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
You cannot qualify war in harsher terms than I will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the brutal reality of war and suggests that its horrors cannot be overstated.
In this quote, William Tecumseh Sherman conveys that he fully understands and acknowledges the extreme and often devastating nature of warfare. By stating that he cannot qualify war in harsher terms, he implies that the consequences and atrocities of war are profound and should not be sanitized or diminished. His perspective reflects a somber recognition of the tragic realities faced by those involved in conflict, urging a deeper contemplation of its impact on humanity.
Themes
WarRealityTruthConflictHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the ethical implications of military actions.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes →Every 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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