The commonest fallacy among women is that simply having children makes them a mother - which is as absurd as believing that having a piano makes one a musician.
Within the soul of each Vietnam veteran there is probably something that says "Bad war, good soldier." Only now are Americans beginning to separate the war from the warrior.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the distinction between the Vietnam War itself and the soldiers who fought in it, highlighting a need for understanding and compassion towards veterans.
Max Cleland's quote reflects the complex relationship society has with war and its veterans. He suggests that soldiers who participated in the Vietnam War are often unfairly judged by the actions and consequences of the war rather than their personal sacrifices and service. This evolving perspective urges society to recognize the distinction between the individuals who serve in the military and the political or moral judgments surrounding the conflicts they are involved in.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech honoring veterans during Memorial Day.
Similar quotes
Every old man complains of the growing depravity of the world, of the petulance and insolence of the rising generation. He recounts the decency and regularity of former times, and celebrates the discipline and sobriety of the age in which his youth was passed; a happy age which is now no more to be expected, since confusion has broken in upon the world, and thrown down all the boundaries of civility and reverence.
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Everybody wants to enjoy heaven after they die, but they don't want to be heavenly-minded while they live.
Because war and preparations for war have acquired legitimacy, and because of the tremendous proliferation of arms through production and export, so that they are now available more or less to all and sundry, right down to handguns and stilettos, the cult of violence has by now so permeated relations between people that we are compelled to witness as well an increase in everyday violence.
Sometimes a fog will settle over a vessel's deck and yet leave the topmast clear. Then a sailor goes up aloft and gets a lookout which the helmsman on deck cannot get. So prayer sends the soul aloft; lifts it above the clouds in which our selfishness and egotism befog us, and gives us a chance to see which way to steer.