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The worst thing about war was the sitting around and wondering what you were doing morally.
Paul Fussell
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Interpretation

What this quote means

War induces profound moral dilemmas and uncertainty in individuals about the righteousness of their actions.

Paul Fussell's quote reflects the internal struggle faced by individuals during wartime, where the physical act of fighting is often overshadowed by the deep moral contemplation of its justification. The 'sitting around and wondering' suggests that the emotional toll of war extends beyond the battlefield, requiring individuals to confront and question their values, ethics, and the consequences of their actions.

Themes

WarMoralityEthical DilemmasConflictPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech about moral choices in conflicts, one could mention this quote to emphasize the psychological impact of war.

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