Skip to content

Civil Quote by Axl Rose

“What’s so civil about war anyway?” quote by Axl Rose — Download Open image

“What’s so civil about war anyway?”

About This Quote

Source Interview: Rolling Stone Magazine, 1992

War is contradictory to civility, exposing the paradox of violence under the guise of civilization.

In simple terms: War contradicts civility.

Key Takeaway

Question the moral framing of conflict.

Themes

war morality paradox civilization

Mood

provocative critical

Type

philosophical controversial

When to use this quote

military ethics discussions
peace activism
historical analysis

Key Concepts

ethical contradictions human nature political rhetoric

Questions to Reflect On

What defines a "civil" war?
Can any war be truly civil?

A Different Perspective

Some argue war can be justified for higher causes.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

Civil Civil war Funny Inspirational Love War

More by Axl Rose

Freddie Mercury and Elton John are, like, two of the biggest Influences in my whole life. And probably always will be.

Image

Rock n' roll was a bad and evil thing. l remember once I was singing a Barry Manilow song, "Mandy," In the back seat…

Image

If someone asked me if I could have anything in the world, what would l want? If l could own anything, like owning a…

Image

I guess I like who I am now. I'd just like to have a little more internal peace. I'm sure everybody would.

Image

I'm glad to be here [in Israel] again.

Image

I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed…

Image

In general, I usually don't really go by or live my life by a clock, and outside of touring, I don't really ask anyone…

Image

I write the vocals last, because I wanted to invent the music first and push the music to the level that I had to…

Image

I wasn't looking at it like, 'I'm singing for AC/DC.' I was looking at it like, 'Y'know, if I can, and if they think…

Image

There was a much more self-destructive nature in 'Appetite.' It was a going-for-it-at-all-cost thing that worked then.

Image

Regarding social media, I really don't understand what appears to be the general population's lack of concern over privacy issues in publicizing their entire…

Image

I sing in five or six different voices that are all part of me. Its not contrived.

Image

Explore all 62 Axl Rose quotes

More Civil quotes

Using a broad brushstroke, I think Libertarian - most of America are socially accepting and fiscally responsible. I'm in that category. I think, broadly…

Image

Affirmative action was designed to recognize the uniquely difficult journey of African-Americans. This policy was justifiable and understandable, even to those who came from…

Image

In the summer of 1964, my sister and I went to South Ballston, Virginia, to stay with my aunt and her kids. They passed…

Edward P. Jones

Image

I support gay unions. I think the government should get out of the marriage business completely - leave marriages to the churches. And grant…

Image

Civil servants take forever to do anything.

Joseph Wambaugh

Image

Protecting the rights of service members was an important part of my work as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Image

We are losing each day an average 50 to 60 people throughout the country, if not more. If this is not civil war, then…

Image

Any new legal measures, or cooperative arrangements between government and companies meant to keep people from organizing violence or criminal actions, must not be…

Rebecca MacKinnon

Image

I was on the state board of directors of the American Civil Liberties Union.

Image

I was a child during the Lebanese civil war, and I remember Israeli bombardments. So growing up, my view of Israel was completely negative.…

Image

In Finland, we learned quite a lot from our own civil war. The wounds were visible when I was a boy, but my generation…

Image

I wrote my first script, which was 50 pages, at age 15. It was about two brothers in love with the same nurse while…

Image

Browse all 335 Civil quotes