“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
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Quote
“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway underscores the inherent immorality of war, regardless of the reasons behind it. He acknowledges that wars may sometimes be seen as necessary or justified—such as in defense of freedom, protection from tyranny, or national security—but he cautions that this does not erase the atrocities and suffering that war inevitably brings. War, in Hemingway’s view, is always a crime, as it results in violence, loss, and human destruction. Even in situations where war might be perceived as justified or inevitable, its moral cost cannot be ignored. This statement speaks to the tragic nature of war and its impact on both the people who fight in it and those affected by it.
Hemingway, a veteran of World War I, was deeply influenced by the horrors he witnessed during the war, and his works often reflect a critical view of war’s futility. In novels like A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway explores how individuals are caught in the machinery of war, forced to grapple with its violence, loss, and the moral compromises it entails. He presents war not as a noble endeavor but as a painful reality that cannot be justified by any idealistic or patriotic reasons. This quote encapsulates Hemingway’s belief that, no matter the cause, war is fundamentally a crime that destroys lives and societies.
In the modern context, this quote remains relevant as it challenges the idea that war can ever be completely justified. Whether in the context of international conflicts, military interventions, or even civil wars, Hemingway’s message serves as a reminder that the human cost of war is always significant and should not be overlooked, no matter how necessary or justified the reasons for war may seem. It invites reflection on the true moral cost of conflict and encourages a deeper consideration of peace and diplomacy over violence. Hemingway’s quote calls for an understanding of war as not just a political or military action but a human tragedy that leaves long-lasting scars on all involved.
