There is no morality in war', they said, 'but cannibals…
““There is no morality in war', they said, 'but cannibals never killed more in one day that they could eat. In your wars, thousands are killed in a few minutes. Perhaps it might be worth suggesting to you leaders that both parties in your war agree to five minutes of combat. Then let all the parents come to the battlefield and collect the pieces and parts of their children, take them home and mourn and bury them. After that is over, another five minutes of battle might or might not be agreed upon. It is difficult to make sense out of senselessness.””
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 senselessness could be mitigated by brief, agreed combat, highlighting human cost.
In simple terms: Short combat to expose tragedy.
Key Takeaway
Consider humanity in conflict.
Themes
war
morality
human cost
Mood
somber
critical
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- peace negotiations
- military ethics
- public awareness
Key Concepts
senselessness
compromise
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives reduce war suffering?
- How to enforce mutual ceasefires?
A Different Perspective
Practical implementation of limited combat is unrealistic.