I confess, without shame, that I am sick and tired of…
“I confess, without shame, that I am sick and tired of fighting — its glory is all moonshine; even success the most brilliant is over dead and mangled bodies, with the anguish and lamentations of distant families, appealing to me for sons, husbands, and fathers ... it is only those who have never heard a shot, never heard the shriek and groans of the wounded and lacerated ... that cry aloud for more blood, more vengeance, more desolation.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War’s glory is a myth; true cost is human suffering and endless cycles of violence.
In simple terms: War is glorified but brings only death and grief.
Recognize war’s true human toll.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- battlefields
- post‑war societies
- veteran support groups
- peace negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do leaders have to portray war honestly?
- How can societies heal after collective trauma?
Glorifying war can inspire further conflict; acknowledging pain may demoralize troops.