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There is a new philosophy for weapons: it's more expensive…

“There is a new philosophy for weapons: it's more expensive to hurt people than to kill people. It's terrible. When you have a band of guys on the battlefield, if someone is dead, he's dead. If someone is injured then they have to take care of him, so six people are busy.” quote by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
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“There is a new philosophy for weapons: it's more expensive to hurt people than to kill people. It's terrible. When you have a band of guys on the battlefield, if someone is dead, he's dead. If someone is injured then they have to take care of him, so six people are busy.”

Jean-Pierre Jeunet

About This Quote

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

The quote highlights the strategic cost of injury versus death in combat, suggesting that hurting opponents can be more burdensome than killing them because it creates logistical and moral obligations.

In simple terms: Injuring enemies creates more problems than killing them.

Key Takeaway

Consider the hidden costs of conflict.

Themes

war ethics strategy human cost logistics

Mood

grim reflective

Type

ethical strategic

When to use this quote

  • battlefield tactics
  • medical triage
  • prisoner treatment
  • military planning

Key Concepts

cost-benefit analysis military ethics resource allocation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do societies balance humane treatment with tactical advantage?
  • What alternatives exist to reduce casualties altogether?
A Different Perspective

It assumes all sides have equal capacity to care for the wounded, which may not hold true.

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