---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Patriotism, in the trenches, was too…"
description: "\"Patriotism, in the trenches, was too remote a sentiment, and at once rejected as fit only for civilians, or prisoners. A new arrival who talked patriot..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5db/robert-graves-2410_arrivals_patriotism-in-the-trenches-was-too-remot_2605981.png"
---

#  Patriotism, in the trenches, was too remote a sentiment…

![“Patriotism, in the trenches, was too remote a sentiment, and at once rejected as fit only for civilians, or prisoners. A new arrival who talked patriotism would soon be told to cut it out.” quote by Robert Graves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5db/robert-graves-2410_arrivals_patriotism-in-the-trenches-was-too-remot_2605981.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5db/robert-graves-2410_arrivals_patriotism-in-the-trenches-was-too-remot_2605981.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5db/robert-graves-2410_arrivals_patriotism-in-the-trenches-was-too-remot_2605981.png)

> “Patriotism, in the trenches, was too remote a sentiment, and at once rejected as fit only for civilians, or prisoners. A new arrival who talked patriotism would soon be told to cut it out.”

[Robert Graves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-graves/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

In war, patriotism is dismissed as civilian sentiment; soldiers are discouraged from expressing it, seeing it as unsuitable for combat.

**In simple terms:** Patriotism seen as civilian, not for soldiers.

Key Takeaway

Recognize diverse expressions of duty in conflict.

Themes

war patriotism culture identity military

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

historical analytical

When to use this quote

- military training
- post‑war reintegration
- public discourse
- historical analysis

Key Concepts

civic duty psychology of soldiers social norms

Questions to Reflect On

- How does military culture shape patriotism?
- Can patriotism coexist with anti‑war sentiment?

A Different Perspective

Patriotism can still motivate morale; context matters.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Arrivals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/arrivals/) [Civilians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/civilians/) [Cutting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cutting/) [Fit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fit/) [New arrivals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/new-arrivals-130718/) [Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism/) [Patriotism Soon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism-soon-1987471/) [Patriotism Trenches](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/patriotism-trenches-1987469/) [Prisoner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/prisoner/) [Rejected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rejected/) [Sentiment Rejected](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentiment-rejected-1987472/) [Sentiments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentiments/) [Talked Patriotism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talked-patriotism-1987470/) [Trenches](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trenches/)

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