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Black or white Quote by Blaise Cendrars

“...Is there a more monstrous thought, a more convincing spectacle, a more patent affirmation of the impotence and madness of the brain? War. All our philosophies, religions, arts, techniques and trades lead to nothing but this. The finest flowers of civilization. The purest constructions of…” quote by Blaise Cendrars
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““...Is there a more monstrous thought, a more convincing spectacle, a more patent affirmation of the impotence and madness of the brain? War. All our philosophies, religions, arts, techniques and trades lead to nothing but this. The finest flowers of civilization. The purest constructions of thought. The most generous and altruistic passions of the heart. The most heroic gestures of man. War. Now and thousand years ago. Tomorrow and a hundred thousand years ago. No, it's not a question of your country, my German or French friend, or yours, whether you're black or white or Papuan or a Borneo monkey. It's a question of your life. If you want to live, kill. Kill so that you can be free, or eat, or shit. The shameful thing is to kill in masses, at a predetermined hour on a predetermined day, in honour of certain principles, under cover of a flag, with old men nodding approval, to kill in a disinterested or passive way. Stand alone against them all, young man, kill, kill, you are unique, you're the only man alive, kill until the others cut you short with the guillotine or the cord or the rope, with or without ceremony, in the name of the Community or King. What a laugh.””

Blaise Cendrars

About This Quote

Source Speech: Unknown wartime monologue, early 20th century

The quote condemns war as humanity’s ultimate expression of absurdity, highlighting its destructive impact on culture, morality, and individual life.

In simple terms: War is portrayed as humanity’s greatest absurdity and destruction.

Key Takeaway

Reject collective violence; seek peace.

Themes

war absurdity humanity morality culture

Mood

cynical grim reflective

Type

philosophical political critical

When to use this quote

  • soldiers in battle
  • political leaders
  • civil activists
  • students debating ethics

Key Concepts

Existential nihilism political critique psychology of violence

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is violence ever justified for survival?
  • How can societies prevent the glorification of war?
A Different Perspective

It may overgeneralize and ignore defensive wars or resistance movements.

4.2 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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