For war to man, like childbirth to women, is simplifying…
“For war to man, like childbirth to women, is simplifying in its emotions and activities. All the real problems of life can be put aside while the one thing is done and little thought is needed to do it. ... His hatreds can be expressed without censure, he can let his emotions run free, he can behave as dramatically, as heroically as he likes, and no one laughs at him. It is almost impossible for a man to behave heroically in the cool and ordinary times of peace. But in war anything is allowed him, he is praised and applauded and made much of, as women are excused and allowed for in pregnancy.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War provides a socially sanctioned arena where intense emotions and extreme actions become acceptable, allowing individuals to express aggression and heroism without the constraints of ordinary life.
In simple terms: War legitimizes extreme behavior.
Key Takeaway
War masks deeper issues.
Themes
masculine identity
social sanction
heroism
emotional release
gender comparison
Mood
intense
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- soldier in combat
- political leader during conflict
- citizen during wartime
- woman experiencing childbirth
Key Concepts
war as social outlet
heroic performance
gendered expectations
societal approval
Practical Applications
- use war to study aggression
- apply insights to conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How does society reward aggression?
- What are the costs of glorifying war?
A Different Perspective
Peaceful contexts also enable heroism, though less celebrated.