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Anyway, you never know what worse luck your bad luck has…

“Anyway, you never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from. I was too young for one war and too old for the next one. But I seen what come out of it. You can be patriotic and still believe that some things cost more than they’re worth. Ask them Gold Star mothers what they paid and…” quote by Cormac McCarthy
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““Anyway, you never know what worse luck your bad luck has saved you from. I was too young for one war and too old for the next one. But I seen what come out of it. You can be patriotic and still believe that some things cost more than they’re worth. Ask them Gold Star mothers what they paid and what they got for it. You always pay too much. Particularly for promises. There aint no such thing as a bargain promise.””

Cormac McCarthy

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

War’s randomness spares some while condemning others; patriotism can coexist with disillusionment; promises often cost more than they’re worth.

In simple terms: War’s chance; costly promises.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of promises.

Themes

war patriotism disillusionment

Mood

somber critical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • military service
  • family decisions
  • political activism

Key Concepts

existentialism moral cost

Questions to Reflect On

  • What promises have you felt were too costly?
  • How do you balance duty with personal values?
A Different Perspective

May generalize personal experience.

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