Heroism Quote by Tom Bissell
““In the emergency of growing up, we all need heroes. But the father I grew up with was no hero to me, not then. He was too wounded in the head, too endlessly and terribly sad. Too funny, too explosive, too confusing. Heroes are uncomplicated. *This* makes them do *that*… But the war does not make sense. War senselessly wounds everyone right down the line. A body bag fits more than just its intended corpse. Take the 58,000 American soldiers lost in Vietnam and multiply by four, five, six—and only then does one begin to realize the damage this war has done… War when necessary, is unspeakable. When unnecessary, it is unforgivable. It is not an occasion for heroism. It is an occasion only for survival and death. To regard war in any other way only guarantees its inevitable reappearance.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “The War Within” in The New Yorker, 2015
War destroys lives indiscriminately, making heroism impossible; survival is the only true outcome.
In simple terms: War harms everyone; heroism is a myth.
Key Takeaway
Recognize war’s true cost and seek peace.
Themes
war
heroism
trauma
survival
Mood
somber
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- military service
- veteran support
- peace activism
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
psychological impact
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a hero in war?
- How can societies prevent unnecessary conflict?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize heroism despite evidence.
![“Benedict Arnold was a war hero, wounded in battle--before he turned against his country. Hitler was likewise a decorated and wounded veteran of the First World War. Being a war hero is not a lifetime...exempt[ion]...from responsibility for what you do thereafter.” quote by Thomas Sowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/844/thomas-sowell-247_battle_benedict-arnold-was-a-war-hero-wounded-i_1784524.jpg)
