--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: War is utter damn nonsense, a vast cancer…" description: "\"War is utter damn nonsense, a vast cancer fed by lies and self seeking malignity on the part of those who don't do the fighting.\" — John Dos Passos" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/375/john-dos-passos-3598_cancer_war-is-utter-damn-nonsense-a-vast-cancer_2567472.jpg" --- # War is utter damn nonsense, a vast cancer fed by lies and… ![“War is utter damn nonsense, a vast cancer fed by lies and self seeking malignity on the part of those who don't do the fighting.” quote by John Dos Passos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/375/john-dos-passos-3598_cancer_war-is-utter-damn-nonsense-a-vast-cancer_2567472.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/375/john-dos-passos-3598_cancer_war-is-utter-damn-nonsense-a-vast-cancer_2567472.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/375/john-dos-passos-3598_cancer_war-is-utter-damn-nonsense-a-vast-cancer_2567472.jpg) > “War is utter damn nonsense, a vast cancer fed by lies and self seeking malignity on the part of those who don't do the fighting.” [John Dos Passos](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dos-passos/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. War is a destructive illusion, fueled by deceit and selfish motives, harming those who avoid combat. **In simple terms:** War is a harmful lie driven by selfish lies. Key Takeaway Question the narratives that justify war. Themes war deception human suffering politics Mood critical somber Type political ethical When to use this quote - anti‑war activism - peace education - journalism - policy analysis Key Concepts pacifism propaganda moral philosophy Questions to Reflect On - What drives societies to accept war? - How can we promote peace without ignoring threats? A Different Perspective Some argue war can be necessary for defense or justice. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Cancer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cancer/) [Feds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feds/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Nonsense](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nonsense/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Stupidity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stupidity/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [I am confirmed in my belief that war is utter destructive violent chaos. There is no "art," no "order(s)," no "just war." 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