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Armageddon Quote by Leo Tolstoy

“It boils down to this: we should have done with humbug, and let war be war, and not a game ... If there were none of this magnanimity business in warfare, we should never go to war, except for something worth facing certain death for.” quote by Leo Tolstoy
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“It boils down to this: we should have done with humbug, and let war be war, and not a game ... If there were none of this magnanimity business in warfare, we should never go to war, except for something worth facing certain death for.”

Leo Tolstoy

About This Quote

Source Novel: War and Peace, 1869

War should be taken seriously, not as a game, and only fought for truly vital causes.

In simple terms: War is serious, not a sport, and should be fought only for essential reasons.

Key Takeaway

Reserve war for matters of ultimate importance.

Themes

war ethics honor

Mood

philosophical serious

Type

literary ethical

When to use this quote

  • military decisions
  • political conflicts
  • personal convictions

Key Concepts

just war theory moral courage humanity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What defines a cause worth dying for?
  • Can war ever be justified?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may clash with realpolitik realities.

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