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About this quote

What does it mean?
Wilde says war stays attractive when seen as noble, but becomes unpopular when seen as vulgar.
In plain terms
War is fascinating when noble, dull when vulgar.
What can you take from it?
Reframe narratives to change public perception of war.

Where it applies

  • media analysis
  • political campaigns
  • history education

Putting it to work

  • highlight war's brutality
  • challenge heroic myths

Questions to consider

  • Why does noble framing allure audiences?
  • How can societies shift war narratives?

Another view

Some view war as inherently evil, regardless of framing.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. It is through art, and through art only, that we can realize our perfection; through art and art only that we can shield ourselves from the sordid perils of ac…

    Permalink to quote #39
  2. There is no sin except stupidity.

    Permalink to quote #41
  3. The one duty we owe to history is to rewrite it.

    Permalink to quote #38

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