Skip to content

Courage Quote by Chris Hayes

“It's very difficult to talk about the war dead and the fallen without invoking valor, without invoking the words 'heroes.' I feel ... uncomfortable about the word hero because it seems to me that it is so rhetorically proximate to justifications for more war.” quote by Chris Hayes
Download Open image
“It's very difficult to talk about the war dead and the fallen without invoking valor, without invoking the words 'heroes.' I feel ... uncomfortable about the word hero because it seems to me that it is so rhetorically proximate to justifications for more war.”

Chris Hayes

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Radio Interview, 2018

Calling war dead “heroes” can glorify conflict and mask its horrors.

In simple terms: Heroic language may justify war.

Key Takeaway

Question the use of “hero” in war narratives.

Themes

war language ethics heroism

Mood

critical somber

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • news commentary
  • military memorials
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

propaganda moral framing

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does honoring sacrifice become propaganda?
  • Can we respect the dead without glorifying war?
A Different Perspective

The term can also honor genuine sacrifice if used carefully.

3.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Chris Hayes

Explore all 179 Chris Hayes quotes

More Courage quotes

Browse all 14,588 Courage quotes