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The wrath of God lies sleeping. It was hid a million years…

“The wrath of God lies sleeping. It was hid a million years before men were and only men have the power to wake it. Hell aint half full. Hear me. Ye carry war of a madman’s making onto a foreign land. Ye’ll wake more than the dogs.” quote by Cormac McCarthy
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““The wrath of God lies sleeping. It was hid a million years before men were and only men have the power to wake it. Hell aint half full. Hear me. Ye carry war of a madman’s making onto a foreign land. Ye’ll wake more than the dogs.””

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.

Human violence is an ancient, dormant force that can be awakened by war and madness, leading to greater destruction than anticipated.

In simple terms: Violence is a sleeping force that war can awaken.

Key Takeaway

Recognize how conflict fuels deeper chaos.

Themes

war violence human nature madness consequences

Mood

dark grim foreboding

Type

literary cautionary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • military campaigns
  • political upheaval
  • personal vendettas
  • colonial conquest

Key Concepts

nihilism existential dread mythic symbolism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives people to unleash dormant cruelty?
  • Can societies prevent the awakening of such violence?
A Different Perspective

Even without war, human cruelty persists; war amplifies it.

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