In Burton's day they [soldiers] were itching to get into…
![“In Burton's day they [soldiers] were itching to get into the fray. Now it is the opposite. They are always whining about the dangers of being killed. Oh my God, they are such wimps now! The whole point of being in the Army is wanting to get killed, wanting to test yourself to the limits. Now you…” quote by Rupert Everett](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/750/rupert-everett-10381_america_in-burton-s-day-they-soldiers-were-itchi_1856870.png)
“In Burton's day they [soldiers] were itching to get into the fray. Now it is the opposite. They are always whining about the dangers of being killed. Oh my God, they are such wimps now! The whole point of being in the Army is wanting to get killed, wanting to test yourself to the limits. Now you have to fly 15,000ft above the war zone to avoid getting hit. I don't think there is any point in having wars if that's how you're going to behave. It's pathetic. All this whining!”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker criticizes modern soldiers for fearing death, contrasting past combat eagerness with current avoidance tactics, and questions the purpose of war when safety is prioritized.
In simple terms: Modern soldiers avoid danger, unlike past warriors who sought it.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate why we fight and how we train for bravery.
Themes
military
courage
war
culture
risk
Mood
frustrated
critical
Type
opinion
commentary
When to use this quote
- training programs
- leadership development
- policy debates
- public discourse
Key Concepts
combat ethos
psychology of fear
modern warfare
masculinity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear affect soldier performance?
- What role should risk play in military training?
A Different Perspective
Historical context shows many soldiers still value life, limiting the speaker’s claim.