Skip to content

Broken Quote by Seneca the Younger

“War I abhor, and yet how sweet The sound along the marching street Of drum and fife, and I forget Wet eyes of widows, and forget Broken old mothers, and the whole Dark butchery without a soul.” quote by Seneca the Younger
Download Open image
“War I abhor, and yet how sweet The sound along the marching street Of drum and fife, and I forget Wet eyes of widows, and forget Broken old mothers, and the whole Dark butchery without a soul.”

Seneca the Younger

About This Quote

Source Poem: Unknown, possibly personal reflection

The speaker despises war yet finds a twisted pleasure in its sounds, ignoring the suffering it causes.

In simple terms: War is both hated and oddly alluring, blinding us to its cruelty.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and resist the seductive allure of conflict.

Themes

war contradiction humanity

Mood

somber reflective

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • military service
  • political protest
  • media consumption
  • education on peace

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does society glorify war?
  • What personal experiences make you see war differently?
A Different Perspective

The romanticization of war can mask its true horror.

4.5 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More by Seneca the Younger

Explore all 872 Seneca the Younger quotes

More Broken quotes

Browse all 5,851 Broken quotes