Hero Quote by Gertrude Stein
“A nice war is a war where everybody who is heroic is a hero, and everybody more or less is a hero in a nice war. Now this war is not at all a nice war.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, 1933
A war that appears heroic for all participants is still destructive; the label “nice” masks its true horror.
In simple terms: Even a seemingly noble war is still terrible.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the true cost of conflict.
Themes
war
heroism
illusion
morality
Mood
somber
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political debate
- military ethics
- peace activism
Key Concepts
ethical critique
heroic narrative
war rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes a war seem “nice”?
- How does heroism hide suffering?
A Different Perspective
War is rarely truly “nice”; heroism can be co-opted.
![“What is the answer?" [ I [Alice B Toklas] was silent ] In that case, what is the question?” quote by Gertrude Stein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eec/gertrude-stein-667_answer_what-is-the-answer-i-alice-b-toklas-was_43063.jpg)
