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War is a racket. It always has been... A few profit - and…

“War is a racket. It always has been... A few profit - and the many pay. But there is a way to stop it. You can't end it by disarmament conferences. You can't eliminate it by peace parleys at Geneva. Well-meaning but impractical groups can't wipe it out by resolutions. It can be smashed effectively…” quote by Smedley Butler
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“War is a racket. It always has been... A few profit - and the many pay. But there is a way to stop it. You can't end it by disarmament conferences. You can't eliminate it by peace parleys at Geneva. Well-meaning but impractical groups can't wipe it out by resolutions. It can be smashed effectively only by taking the profit out of war.”

Smedley Butler

About This Quote

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

War benefits a few wealthy interests while the masses suffer; ending it requires removing profit motives, not just treaties.

In simple terms: War profits few few; many suffer.

Key Takeaway

Target war profiteering.

Themes

war economics politics

Mood

critical serious

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy advocacy
  • peace activism
  • economic reform

Key Concepts

profit motive military-industrial complex

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies reduce demand for war?
  • What alternatives to profit-driven conflict exist?
A Different Perspective

Profit removal alone may not address ideological causes.

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