The statesmen will invent cheap lies, putting the blame…
“The statesmen will invent cheap lies, putting the blame upon the nation that is attacked, and every man will be glad of those conscience-soothing falsities, and will diligently study them, and refuse to examine any refutations of them; and thus he will by and by convince himself that the war is just, and will thank God for the better sleep he enjoys after this process of grotesque self-deception.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People accept comforting falsehoods about war, ignoring evidence, to soothe conscience and feel justified.
In simple terms: Self‑deception sustains war justification.
Key Takeaway
Comforting lies replace critical scrutiny.
Themes
Propaganda
Moral self‑justification
Cognitive bias
War rhetoric
Collective denial
Mood
Skeptical
Reflective
Type
Political commentary
Satirical observation
When to use this quote
- Political speeches
- Media coverage of conflict
- Public rallies
- Classroom discussions on history
Key Concepts
Conscience‑soothing narratives
Selective perception
Practical Applications
- Critical media literacy
- Peace education
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies prefer comforting myths over uncomfortable truths?
- How does self‑deception affect democratic accountability?