War is a racket. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.
Smedley ButlerRead
I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the author's realization of serving powerful interests rather than noble ideals.
In this quote, Smedley Butler candidly admits his role in serving the interests of big business and financial institutions during his military career, using strong language to describe himself as a 'racketeer' and 'gangster for capitalism.' This statement critiques the idea that military service is inherently noble, suggesting that it can also be a tool for maintaining the status quo and protecting the interests of the wealthy, rather than serving the greater good or the common people.
Themes
MilitaryCapitalismCritiqueBusinessPower
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech highlighting the influence of corporate interests in politics.
More from Smedley Butler
All quotes →Out of war nations acquire additional territory, if they are victorious. They just take it. This newly acquired territory promptly is exploited by the few - the selfsame few who wrung dollars out of blood in the war. The general public shoulders the bill.
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The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag.
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I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefit of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long... Looking back on it, I feel I might have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three city districts. We Marines operated on three continents.
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A few profit - and the many pay. But there is a way to stop it. You can't end it by disarmament conferences. You can't eliminate it by peace parleys at Geneva. Well-meaning but impractical groups can't wipe it out by resolutions. It can be smashed effectively only by taking the profit out of war.
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It is dressed into speeches about patriotism, love of country...but the profits...skyrocket.
Smedley ButlerRead
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