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
No one told these American soldiers they might be shot down by bullets made by their own brothers here. No one told them that the ships on which they were going to cross might be torpedoed by submarines built with US patents.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the tragic irony of war, where soldiers may face threats from their own nation's innovations.
Smedley Butler highlights the paradox of American soldiers being at risk from weapons and technology that were developed by their own country. This observation serves to underscore the deeply troubling nature of conflict, where brothers may be pitted against one another due to the broader economic and political circumstances that shape warfare.
Themes
WarIronyConflictBrothersTechnology
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the costs of war, one might use this quote to emphasize the unintended consequences of military innovation.
More from Smedley Butler
All quotes βOut 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.
Smedley ButlerRead
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.
Smedley ButlerRead
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.
Smedley ButlerRead
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.
Smedley ButlerRead
It is dressed into speeches about patriotism, love of country...but the profits...skyrocket.
Smedley ButlerRead
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