None of the heroes prepared for suffering and sacrifice, none of the common herd ready for service and obedience, will be inclined to listen to the call of their country once they discover the polluted sources from whence that call proceeds and recognize the monstrous finger of falsehood which beckons them to the battlefield.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- If people discover that a nation's call to arms is built on falsehood, they will reject it.
- In plain terms
- Falsehoods behind war calls cause people to refuse service.
- What can you take from it?
- Truth can undermine recruitment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does truth affect morale in times of conflict?
- Can deception ever be justified to protect morale?
Another view
Some may still answer duty despite knowing deceit.
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