Cold Quote by Janet Flanner
![“[On World War II:] The war, which destroyed so much of everything, was also constructive, in a way. It established clearly the cold, and finally unhypocritical fact that the most important thing on earth to men today is money.” quote by Janet Flanner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ec0/janet-flanner-23939_cold_on-world-war-ii-the-war-which-destroyed_2060135.jpg)
“[On World War II:] The war, which destroyed so much of everything, was also constructive, in a way. It established clearly the cold, and finally unhypocritical fact that the most important thing on earth to men today is money.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New Yorker, 1940s
War destroys but also reshapes values, highlighting money as a dominant modern concern.
In simple terms: War changes priorities, making money central.
Key Takeaway
Recognize how crises shift societal values.
Themes
war
economics
values
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical study
- economic policy
Key Concepts
materialism
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What values emerge after a crisis?
- How do we balance material needs with moral ones?
A Different Perspective
Money may not be the sole priority for everyone.
![“As you look back in history, we [the United States] have done wonderful things, the Marshal Plan is the most obvious. After World War II, we spent billions of dollars to rebuild Europe or at least part of Europe after the devastation of World War II. We did it out of charity, but we also did it to…” quote by Michael Beschloss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8f0/michael-beschloss-13530_billions_as-you-look-back-in-history-we-the-unite_55033.jpg)
![“[Charles de Gaulle] has been abysmally careless, like a man running a bus over mountains, who forgot to equip it with good brakes.” quote by Janet Flanner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/540/janet-flanner-23939_brake_charles-de-gaulle-has-been-abysmally-car_594270.jpg)
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
