Essentally combat is an expression of hostile feelings…
““Essentally combat is an expression of hostile feelings. But in the large-scale combat that we call war hostile feelings often have become merely hostile intentions. At any rate, there are usually no hostile feelings between individuals. Yet such emotions can never be completely absent from war. Modern wars are seldom fought without hatred between nations; this serves as a more or less substitute for the hatred between individuals. Even when there is no natural hatred and no animosity to start with, the fighting itself will stir up hostile feelings: violence committed on superior orders will stir up the desire for revenge and retaliation against the perpetrator rather than against the powers that ordered the action. It is only human (or animal, if you like), but it is a fact.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War transforms personal hostility into collective intent, yet underlying feelings of hatred and desire for revenge persist, influencing actions even when orders are impersonal.
In simple terms: War replaces personal hatred with national hostility, but emotions remain.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge that emotions still drive conflict despite abstract motives.
Themes
war
human nature
emotion
collective intent
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- diplomacy
- peace negotiations
- psychological training
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
hostility
revenge
military obedience
psychology of conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- Can war ever be truly emotion‑free?
- How do leaders manage the hidden emotions of soldiers?
A Different Perspective
Even with abstract goals, personal emotions can undermine rational strategy.