Money Quote by Margaret Mitchell
““All wars are sacred,” he said. “To those who have to fight them. If the people who started wars didn’t make them sacred, who would be foolish enough to fight? But, no matter what rallying cries the orators give to the idiots who fight, no matter what noble purposes they assign to wars, there is never but one reason for a war. And that is money. All wars are in reality money squabbles. But so few people ever realize it. Their ears are too full of bugles and drums and the fine words from stay-at-home orators. Sometimes the rallying cry is ’save the Tomb of Christ from the Heathen!’ Sometimes it’s ’down with Popery!’ and sometimes ‘Liberty!’ and sometimes ‘Cotton, Slavery and States’ Rights!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Gone with the Wind, 1936
Wars are portrayed as noble but are fundamentally driven by profit and power, not ideals.
In simple terms: War is about money, not ideals.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind conflict.
Themes
war
economics
propaganda
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- historical analysis
- media criticism
- public discourse
Key Concepts
materialism
political manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives fuel wars?
- How does propaganda shape perception?
A Different Perspective
Complex causes can also include ideology.
