War Quotes

War is not a polite recreation but the vilest thing in life, and we ought to understand that and not play at war.

To abolish war it is necessary to abolish patriotism, and to abolish patriotism it is necessary first to understand that it is an evil. Tell people that patriotism is bad and most will reply, 'Yes, bad patriotism is bad, but mine is good patriotism.'

The redeeming feature of war is that it puts a nation to the test. As exposure to the atmosphere reduces all mummies to instant dissolution, so war passes supreme judgment upon social systems that have outlived their vitality.

Peace is not only better than war, but infinitely more arduous.

When the military man approaches, the world locks up its spoons and packs off its womankind.

Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for every family to have joy.

When two nations are fighting, the duty of a votary of ahimsa is to stop the war.

We cannot escape history.

With malice toward none, with charity for all... let us strive on to finish the work we are in

It is for us the living ... to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far nobly advanced.

We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies... the mystic chords of memory... will swell the chorus of the Union... touched by the better angels of our nature.

Wise councils may accelerate or mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later the victory is sure to come

While we do not propose any war upon capital, we do wish to allow the humblest man an equal chance to get rich with everybody else.

The people of the South have too much of good sense, and good temper, to attempt the ruin of the government ... At least, so I hope and believe.

My opinion is that no state can, in any way lawfully, get out of the Union, without the consent of the others; and that it is the duty of the President, and other government functionaries to run the machine as it is.

A measure made expedient by a war is no precedent for times of peace.

A single blow must destroy the enemy... without regard of losses... a gigantic all-destroying blow.

Demoralize the enemy from within by surprise, terror, sabotage, assassination. This is the future of war.

Generals think war should be waged like the tourneys of the Middle Ages. I have no use for knights; I need revolutionaries.

Strength lies not in defence but in attack.