Casualties Quote by Boake Carter
“If we let people see that kind of thing, there would never again be any war. Pentagon official, on why US military censored graphic footage from the Gulf War In time of war the first casualty is truth.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: CNN, 1991
War’s first casualty is truth; censorship hides reality, perpetuating conflict.
In simple terms: Truth is the first victim in war, especially when censored.
Seek multiple sources to uncover hidden realities.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- journalism
- education
- human rights advocacy
- government transparency
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Why might authorities suppress wartime information?
- How does truth affect public support for war?
Censorship can sometimes protect morale, but at the cost of informed decision‑making.