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's Legitimate Object Is More Perfect Peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War aims to achieve lasting peace through resolution of conflict.
This quote by William Tecumseh Sherman reflects the philosophical idea that the ultimate goal of war is not merely to conquer or defeat an enemy, but to create a state of more enduring peace. It suggests that the harsh realities of conflict should serve a higher purpose, leading to a world where peace is not just an absence of war, but a more profound and stable condition of coexistence.
Themes
WarPeacePhilosophyConflictResolution
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a peace symposium to emphasize the transformative purpose of conflict.
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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