This quote powerfully asserts that despite any perceived justifications or necessities, war always carries a fundamental moral taint. It emphasizes the inherent destructiveness and ethical compromises of conflict, urging one to recognize its profound and unforgivable impact on humanity, regardless of its stated goals.
Quote by Ernest Hemingway: “Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.”
Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.
Insight
Historical Context
Set during World War I, a conflict that shattered traditional notions of heroism and glory, this quote reflects a deep anti-war sentiment. It emerged from a period of profound disillusionment with militarism, challenging the justifications for violence and emphasizing the inherent moral transgression of warfare, regardless of its aims.
About the Author
American novelist, short-story writer, and journalist. His economical and understated style—which he termed the iceberg theory—had a strong influence on 20th-century fiction, while his adventurous lifestyle and public image brought him admiration.
View all quotes by Ernest Hemingway