Body Quote by William Faulkner
“War is an episode, a crisis, a fever the purpose of which is to rid the body of fever. So the purpose of a war is to end the war.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Reivers, 1922 (paraphrased)
War serves as a societal fever, a painful process meant to purge deeper issues, ultimately aiming to restore health.
In simple terms: War is a painful cleansing.
Recognize war’s destructive purpose.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical study
- peace activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives can address societal fevers?
- Can conflict ever be truly restorative?
War often fails to achieve true healing.