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Best 23 Ernest Hemingway Quotes on War
Ernest Hemingway, renowned for his literary prowess and his experiences as a war correspondent, had a unique perspective on the brutality and impact of war. Through his novels, short stories, and personal accounts, Hemingway captured the essence of conflict and its profound effects on individuals and society. In this article, we will explore the best 23 Ernest Hemingway quotes on war that encapsulate his raw and poignant observations.
1. “Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway acknowledged the undeniable truth that war, despite its perceived necessity, always entails a significant cost.
2. “There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote highlights the addictive and transformative nature of war, painting a grim picture of the impact it has on those who participate in it.
3. “Never confuse movement with action.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway emphasizes the importance of purposeful action in war, cautioning against mere chaotic movement without a clear objective.
4. “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote reflects Hemingway’s belief that adversity and trauma can shape individuals, making them stronger in the aftermath of war.
5. “The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a permanent ruin.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway astutely observes the destructive consequences of war and the illusion of temporary gains it may bring.
6. “War is no longer made by simply analyzed economic forces if it ever was. War is made or planned now by individual men, demagogues, or popular masses who act under the influence of passion or greed.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote highlights Hemingway’s view that war is often driven by irrational human motives rather than purely economic factors.
7. “The only way to combat noxious ideas is with other ideas and not with suppression and repression.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway believed that the best way to counter harmful ideologies is through open discourse and the presentation of alternative viewpoints.
8. “The world is a fine place and worth the fighting for, and I hate very much to leave it.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote demonstrates Hemingway’s conflicted feelings towards war, acknowledging the beauty of life while recognizing the necessity of participating in conflict.
9. “In modern war, there is nothing sweet nor fitting in your dying. You will die like a dog for no good reason.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway’s stark depiction of death in war reflects his conviction that the sacrifices made are often senseless and futile.
10. “War is a terrible thing, but there are worse things than war.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway recognizes the horrors of war but suggests that there are circumstances even more dreadful that could be avoided through conflict.
11. “I know now that there is no one thing that is true—it is all true.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote alludes to Hemingway’s realization that war, with its complexities and contradictions, encompasses multiple truths.
12. “Wars are fought by children.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway acknowledges the youthfulness and vulnerability of those thrust into the chaos of war.
13. “War is an abstraction. It’s the outcome of the decisions of politicians. Real war is the result of politics or greed.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway suggests that war is often a manifestation of political decisions or a desire for personal gain rather than a noble cause.
14. “The human race is a fine race: brave, generous, and kind.” – Ernest Hemingway
Amidst the bleakness of war, Hemingway maintains hope in the inherent goodness of humanity.
15. “Never think that war, no matter how necessary, or how justified, is not a crime.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway reiterates the notion that the act of war is inherently criminal, regardless of its justifications.
16. “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote, while not specifically about war, speaks to the importance of trust and loyalty, qualities tested during times of conflict.
17. “In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway emphasizes that war leaves deep scars, physical and emotional, on all who endure it.
18. “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong in the broken places.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote echoes Hemingway’s belief that tragedy and suffering can lead to resilience and inner strength.
19. “The sinews of war are infinite money.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway suggests that the driving force behind war is often the insatiable greed for wealth and power.
20. “In war, there is no second prize for the runner-up.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote encapsulates the brutal reality of war, where victory is the only acceptable outcome.
21. “There is no lonelier man in death than that man who has lived many years with a good wife and then outlived her.” – Ernest Hemingway
While not explicitly about war, this quote alludes to the profound loss experienced by those who survive the horrors of conflict.
22. “There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough and liked it, never care for anything else thereafter.” – Ernest Hemingway
This quote reiterates the addictive and transformative nature of war, highlighting its lasting impact on those who partake in it.
23. “A revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture, or doing embroidery; it cannot be so refined, so leisurely and gentle, so temperate, kind, courteous, restrained, and magnanimous.” – Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway acknowledges the raw and violent nature of revolution, drawing parallels to the chaos and brutality of war.
FAQs about Ernest Hemingway and his Quotes on War
Q1. What war did Ernest Hemingway participate in?
Ernest Hemingway served as an ambulance driver for the Red Cross during World War I. He also worked as a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War and World War II.
Q2. How did Hemingway’s experiences in war influence his writing?
Hemingway’s firsthand experiences in war provided him with a deep understanding of the human condition and the devastating effects of conflict. These experiences shaped his writing, infusing his works with raw emotion and vivid descriptions of war’s horrors.
Q3. Was Hemingway a pacifist?
Although Hemingway was critical of war and its consequences, he was not a strict pacifist. He believed that sometimes war was necessary to combat greater evils. However, he consistently condemned the senseless violence and suffering caused by war.
Q4. Why are Hemingway’s quotes on war still relevant today?
Hemingway’s quotes on war remain relevant due to their timeless insights into the human experience and the enduring nature of conflict. His observations on the futility, trauma, and complexity of war continue to resonate with readers, reminding us of the importance of peace and understanding.
In conclusion, Ernest Hemingway’s quotes on war offer a poignant reflection on the human condition, the consequences of conflict, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his unique perspective, Hemingway has left behind a legacy that continues to shape our understanding of war and its impact on individuals and society.
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