War Quotes
War has been a constant companion of human history, shaping the rise and fall of civilizations for millennia. It is a phenomenon that reveals the absolute best and worst of humanity, showcasing courage and sacrifice alongside destruction and despair.
"A leader is a dealer in hope."
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace."
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
"Only the dead have seen the end of war."
"We here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain."
"They wrote in the old days that it is sweet and fitting to die for one's country. But in modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason."
"War is the continuation of politics by other means."
"Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind."
"A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon."
"All war is a symptom of man's failure as a thinking animal."
"The strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must."
"There never was a good war, or a bad peace."
"Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat."
"The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bleed the deepest wounds and scars of war."
"War does not determine who is right - only who is left."
"Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all."
Context
Source: Letter: Instructions to the Captains of the Virginia Regiments, July 29, 1759
Related Themes
"You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war."
"There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others."
"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed."
"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."
Why these quotes matter
Understanding war is crucial because it dictates the geopolitical landscape and influences the survival of nations. It highlights the extremes of human behavior and the critical need for effective leadership during crises.
How to apply them daily
These insights can be applied today by prioritizing diplomatic solutions and understanding the strategic risks involved in any conflict. They encourage leaders to weigh the human cost against political objectives before taking action.
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"Ultimately, the study of war reminds us that while conflict may be inevitable, the pursuit of peace is a continuous and necessary endeavor."