Army Quote by Paul Virilio
“There can be no doubt about this. It even held true for the soldiers involved in the Kosovo War. For the soldiers stayed mostly in their barracks! In this way, polar inertia has truly become a mass phenomenon. And not only for the TV audiences watching the war at home but also for the army that watches the battle from the barracks.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Speed and Politics by Paul Virilio, 1977
The quote argues that modern warfare is experienced remotely, turning soldiers into passive observers, creating a collective inertia that extends to viewers at home.
In simple terms: War becomes a distant spectacle, causing collective passivity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and counteract passive consumption of conflict.
Themes
media
war
inertia
passivity
society
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
commentary
When to use this quote
- news consumption
- military training
- public discourse
- policy making
Key Concepts
political theory
media studies
military sociology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does remote viewing of war affect public empathy?
- What responsibilities do media have in portraying conflict?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the agency of soldiers who do engage directly.
![“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)
