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War-making is one of the few activities that people are…

“War-making is one of the few activities that people are not supposed to view realistically; that is, with an eye to expense and practical outcome. In all-out war, expenditure is all-out, unprudent - war being defined as an emergency in which no sacrifice is excessive.” quote by Susan Sontag
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“War-making is one of the few activities that people are not supposed to view realistically; that is, with an eye to expense and practical outcome. In all-out war, expenditure is all-out, unprudent - war being defined as an emergency in which no sacrifice is excessive.”

Susan Sontag

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 an abstract, glorified act, ignoring its true costs and consequences.

In simple terms: War is often romanticized, hiding its real expenses and suffering.

Key Takeaway

Recognize war’s true cost before supporting it.

Themes

war realism ethics

Mood

critical somber

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • media analysis
  • public discourse
  • education
  • activism

Key Concepts

military economics human cost propaganda

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does media shape our perception of war?
  • What responsibilities do societies have to confront war realities?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing war can obscure necessary critical scrutiny.

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