It had been a damned nice thing - the nearest run thing…
““It had been a damned nice thing - the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life. (Waterloo 18 June 1815) 'I hope to God,' he said one day,'that I have fought my last battle.It is a bad thing to be always fighting.While in the thick of it,I am much too occupied to feel anything;but it is wretched just after.It is quite impossible to think of glory.Both mind and feeling are exhausted.I am wretched even at the moment of victory,and I always say that next to a battle lost, the greatest misery is a battle gained.Not only do you lose those dear friends with whom you have been living,but you are forced to leave the wounded behind you.To be sure one tries to do the best for them,but how little that is!At such moments every feeling in your breast is deadened.I am now just beginning to retain my natural spirits,but I never wish for any more fighting.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Victory can feel hollow when accompanied by loss and exhaustion; true triumph lies in peace, not endless conflict.
In simple terms: Winning battles can still leave one feeling empty.
Key Takeaway
Seek peace over perpetual war.
Themes
war
peace
humanity
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- veteran counseling
- peace advocacy
- historical analysis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Psychological toll of combat
cost of victory
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define a meaningful victory?
- What steps can prevent endless conflict?
A Different Perspective
Even victories may bring sorrow and moral dilemma.