War Quote by Leo Tolstoy
““But though towards the end of the battle the men felt all the horror of their actions, though they would have been glad to cease, some unfathomable, mysterious force still led them on, and the artillerymen-the third of them left-soaked with sweat, grimed with powder and blood, and panting with weariness, still brought the charges, loaded, aimed, and lighted the match; and the cannon balls flew as swiftly and cruelly from each side and crushed human flesh, and kept up the fearful work, which was done not at the will of men, but at the will of Him who sways men and worlds.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, 1869
Even when horror overwhelms soldiers, an unseen force compels them to continue fighting, suggesting destiny or divine will drives human actions.
In simple terms: War forces men onward despite horror.
Key Takeaway
Recognize forces beyond control.
Themes
war
destiny
human suffering
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- battlefields
- military leadership
- ethical decision making
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
determinism
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives people to act against their conscience?
- Can destiny be reconciled with personal responsibility?
A Different Perspective
War also reveals personal agency and moral choice.
