“Killing Japanese didn’t bother me at that time. It was getting the war over with that bothered me. So I wasn’t worried particularly about how many people we killed in getting the job done… . All war is immoral, and if you let it bother you, you’re not a good soldier.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis
In this quote by Ronald Schaffer, the speaker reflects on his attitude towards killing during wartime. He expresses that his primary concern was not the act of killing itself, but rather the goal of ending the war. Schaffer implies that in the midst of war, soldiers must prioritize their duty and mission over moral qualms about taking lives. This perspective highlights the ethical complexities and internal conflicts that soldiers may face in the midst of armed conflict.
Understanding the Morality of War
In today's society, the quote by Ronald Schaffer highlights the complex and often conflicting emotions that soldiers may experience during wartime. The idea that in order to be a successful soldier one must detach themselves from the moral implications of their actions raises important questions about the ethics of war. This mentality is still relevant today as individuals continue to grapple with the morality of conflict and what it means to be a good soldier.
Ronald Schaffer on the morality of war
Ronald Schaffer's quote highlights the complex moral dilemmas that soldiers often face during wartime. In this statement, the speaker reflects on his own experiences and the difficult decisions he had to make in the heat of battle. The quote also sheds light on the conflicting emotions that can arise when trying to reconcile personal morality with the demands of military duty.
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on the words of Ronald Schaffer, it's important to consider the ethical implications of war and the mindset of soldiers in combat. Contemplate the following questions:
- Do you agree with Schaffer's assertion that all war is immoral? Why or why not?
- How do you think the dehumanization of the enemy in war affects soldiers' attitudes towards killing?
- What does it mean to be a "good soldier" according to Schaffer's perspective?
- In what ways do you think the experience of war can shape a person's moral conscience?
- How can we reconcile the necessity of war with the immorality of its actions?
Similar quotes
“Nothing new about death, nothing new about deaths caused militarily. We scorched and boiled and baked to death more people in Tokyo on that night of March 9-10 than went up in vapor at Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined.”
“I don't like killing a girl," the Spaniard said."God does it all the time; if it doesn't bother Him, don't let it worry you.”
“I forgot that's what gets you all hot and bothered, Jace, girls killing things.""I like anyone killing things, especially me." he said with a smile.”
“Instead of war on poverty,they got a war on drugs so the police can bother me.”
“I’m telling you right now I could make him pop an aneurysm and no one would know. (Nero)Doesn’t that kind of murder bother you at all? (Alix)Given everything people have done to me in my life, little girl, especially in my childhood when I was helpless against them, humanity is lucky I’m not on a perpetual killing spree. As for the Merjacks…I owe them a debt that no amount of violence on my part will settle. So, no. Nothing about killing him would bother me. (Nero)”
“Listen, Stephen King used to write in the washroom of his trailer after his kids went to sleep. Harlan Ellison wrote in the stall of a bathroom of his barracks during boot camp. Elmore Leonard got up at 5 AM every morning to write before work.Every time my alarm goes off at 5 AM and I don’t want to get up, or I would rather sit down after work and play a videogame, I think about those guys. Take care of your family. They need you and love you. Make time for them. Then stop screwing around and finish your damn book.”