An Army is a collection of armed men obliged to obey one man. Every change in the rules which impairs the principle weakens the army.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
I know I had no hand in making this war, and I know I will make more sacrifices today than any of you to secure peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker acknowledges their lack of responsibility for the war while expressing a commitment to sacrifice for the sake of peace.
In this quote, William Tecumseh Sherman emphasizes the conflict between personal responsibility and the larger consequences of war. He indicates that despite not having initiated the conflict, he is willing to endure significant personal sacrifices to achieve peace. This statement reflects the burden of leadership during troubled times and the moral imperative to seek resolution, even when one is not at fault for the circumstances.
Themes
WarPeaceSacrificeLeadershipConflict
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the burdens of leadership in times of war.
More from William Tecumseh Sherman
All quotes βEvery attempt to make war easy and safe will result in humiliation and disaster.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
I think I understand what military fame is; to be killed on the field of battle and have your name misspelled in the newspapers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
The young bloods of the South: sons of planters, lawyers about towns, good billiard-players and sportsmen, men who never did any work and never will... They are splendid riders, first-rate shots and utterly reckless. These men must all be killed or employed by us before we can hope for peace.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
You people of the South don't know what you are doing. This country will be drenched in blood, and God only knows how it will end. It is all folly, madness, a crime against civilization! You people speak so lightly of war; you don't know what you're talking about.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.
William Tecumseh ShermanRead
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