Army Quote by Jaroslav Hašek
““All along the line,' said the volunteer, pulling the blanket over him, 'everything in the army stinks of rottenness. Up till now the wide-eyed masses haven't woken up to it. With goggling eyes they let themselves be made into mincemeat and then when they're struck by a bullet they just whisper, "Mummy!" Heroes don't exist, only cattle for the slaughter and the butchers in the general staffs. But in the end every body will mutiny and there will be a fine shambles. Long live the army! Goodnight!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Good Soldier Švejk by Jaroslav Hašek, 1921
War is portrayed as a grotesque, corrupt system where heroism is a myth and soldiers become expendable victims.
In simple terms: War is corrupt and heroes are myths.
Key Takeaway
Question authority, seek truth.
Themes
war
corruption
heroism
bureaucracy
Mood
bitter
darkly humorous
critical
Type
satire
political commentary
When to use this quote
- soldiers in conflict
- political satire
- antihero narratives
Key Concepts
militarism
absurdism
cynicism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true heroism look like?
- How can individuals resist systemic corruption?
A Different Perspective
The satire may overlook genuine sacrifice and bravery.
![“Jesus Christ was innocent too,' said Svejk, 'and all the same they crucified him. No one anywhere has ever worried about a man being innocent. Maul halten und weiter dienen ['Grin and bear it and get on with the job'] - as they used to tell us in the army. That's the best and finest thing of all.” quote by Jaroslav Hašek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f74/jaroslav-ha-ek-30986_army_jesus-christ-was-innocent-too-said-svejk_1631482.jpg)
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
