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War, to sane men at the present day, begins to look like…

“War, to sane men at the present day, begins to look like an epidemic insanity, breaking out here and there like the cholera or influenza, infecting men's brains instead of their bowels.” quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson
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“War, to sane men at the present day, begins to look like an epidemic insanity, breaking out here and there like the cholera or influenza, infecting men's brains instead of their bowels.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

About This Quote

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

War is portrayed as a contagious madness spreading through societies, likened to disease affecting minds rather than bodies.

In simple terms: War spreads like a mental illness.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and resist the spread of violent ideologies.

Themes

war madness social contagion

Mood

somber critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • public discourse
  • education
  • peace activism

Key Concepts

psychology political critique

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does media influence perception of war?
  • What steps can reduce collective aggression?
A Different Perspective

Not all conflicts are purely mental; material causes exist.

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