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.
Omar N. BradleyRead
We know more about war than we know about peace, more about killing than we know about living.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights humanity's greater understanding of conflict than of harmonious living.
Omar N. Bradley's quote illustrates the irony of human knowledge, emphasizing that while we have extensively studied the nature of war and violence, our comprehension of peace and the essence of living is far less developed. This observation prompts a reflection on the priorities and values of society, suggesting the need to invest more in understanding peaceful coexistence rather than focusing predominantly on conflict.
Themes
PeaceWarLivingUnderstandingHumanity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech at a peace conference, to stress the importance of understanding peace.
More from Omar N. Bradley
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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.
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The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness.
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We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the sermon on the mount.
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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.
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