I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
Interpretation
A soldier's perspective on war reveals its harsh realities and the deep disdain for its senselessness.
This quote expresses the profound aversion a soldier develops towards war after experiencing its devastating effects firsthand. Dwight D. Eisenhower highlights that only those who have directly witnessed the brutality, futility, and absurdity of war have the authority to truly 'hate' it, underscoring the tragic consequences of conflict that are often overlooked by those not directly involved.
In practice
This quote can be used to emphasize the tragic consequences of conflict during a peace rally.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I deplore the need or the use of troops anywhere to get American citizens to obey the orders of constituted courts.
The war we have to wage today has only one goal, and that is to make the world safe for diversity.
It was important, Dumbledore said, to fight, and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then could evil be kept at bay, though never quite eradicated. . . .
Two or three things I know for sure, and one is that I'd rather go naked than wear the coat the world has made for me.
I repeat the declaration made a year ago, that 'while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt to retract or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation, or by any of the Acts of Congress.' If the people should, by whatever mode or means, make it an Executive duty to re-enslave such persons, another, and not I, must be their instrument to perform it.
There is nothing stronger than the American labor movement. United, we cannot and we will not be turned aside. We'll work for it, sisters and brothers. We'll stand for it. Together. Each of us. To bring out the best in America. To bring out the best in ourselves, and each other.
My goal is not getting hit and to knock the other guy out. Some people might complain because they want to see boxers beat up on each other, but you cannot last long in professional boxing if you take a lot of punches.
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