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About this quote

What does it mean?
Stein distinguishes between a hypothetical 'nice war' where everyone is heroic and the harsh reality of actual conflicts.
In plain terms
This war is not nice; it does not make everyone a hero.
What can you take from it?
War is rarely noble or universally heroic.

Where it applies

  • military history
  • ethical debate
  • media coverage

Putting it to work

  • scrutinize war narratives
  • recognize human cost

Questions to consider

  • Is any war nice?
  • Who decides who is a hero?

Another view

Some wars are perceived as noble by participants.

More from Gertrude Stein

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