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Antiwar Quote by Robert E. Lee

“What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.” quote by Robert E. Lee
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“What a cruel thing is war: to separate and destroy families and friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred instead of love for our neighbors, and to devastate the fair face of this beautiful world.”

Robert E. Lee

About This Quote

Source Speech: Letter to his wife, 1862, American Civil War

War tears apart families, destroys joy, and replaces love with hatred, corrupting humanity and the world.

In simple terms: War destroys love and joy.

Key Takeaway

Seek peace, protect relationships.

Themes

war family humanity violence

Mood

sorrowful reflective

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • conflict resolution
  • family counseling
  • community building
  • peace activism

Key Concepts

destruction hatred loss corruption

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies heal after war?
  • What actions prevent war from breaking families?
A Different Perspective

War can sometimes be seen as a necessary evil in defense, which complicates moral judgments.

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