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In calm retrospect we can appreciate better the disastrous effects of the poison of falsehood, whether officially, semi-officially, or privately manufactured. It has been rightly said that the injection of the poison of hatred into men's minds by means of falsehood is a greater evil in war-time than the actual loss of life. The defilement of the human soul is worse than the destruction of the human body. A fuller realization of this is essential.

Arthur Ponsonby#13

WarTruthEthicsPsychologyHatredHealingSoul

About this quote

What does it mean?
The poison of falsehood and hatred in war harms the soul more than physical death; recognizing this is essential.
In plain terms
Lying and hatred in war damage moral character more than killing.
What can you take from it?
Address the psychological impact of propaganda.

Where it applies

  • post‑war reconciliation
  • mental health services
  • education

Putting it to work

  • trauma counseling
  • anti‑propaganda campaigns

Questions to consider

  • How can societies heal moral injury after war?
  • What role does truth play in post‑war recovery?

Another view

Physical casualties remain a tangible and immediate concern for many.

More from Arthur Ponsonby

  1. War being established as a recognized institution to be resorted to when Governments quarrel, the people are more or less prepared. They quite willingly delude…

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. Another effect of the continual appearance of false and biased statement and the absorption of the lie atmosphere is that deeds of real valour, heroism, and ph…

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. At the outset the solemn asseverations of monarchs and leading statesmen in each nation that they did not want war must be placed on a par with the declaration…

    Permalink to quote #11

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