War is a racket. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.
Meaning of the quote
War is like a money-making business for some people, but it comes at the cost of human lives. It is a global problem, and the people who make money from it don't care about the lives lost. This quote is saying that war is not about protecting your country or your people; it's about making money, no matter the consequences.
About Smedley Butler
Smedley Butler was a highly decorated U.S. Marine Corps officer who fought in multiple wars, including the Philippine-American War, Boxer Rebellion, and World War I. He later became a vocal critic of American wars and foreign policy, writing the book ‘War Is a Racket’ in 1935. In 1933, he was involved in a controversial plot known as the ‘Business Plot,’ where he claimed wealthy industrialists were planning a military coup to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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More quotes from Smedley Butler
There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights.
United States Marine Corps general, two time Medal of Honor recipient, activist, lecturer, official, and writer (1881-1940)
My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of the higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military.
United States Marine Corps general, two time Medal of Honor recipient, activist, lecturer, official, and writer (1881-1940)
War is a racket. It is the only one international in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and the losses in lives.
United States Marine Corps general, two time Medal of Honor recipient, activist, lecturer, official, and writer (1881-1940)
War is just a racket… I believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else.
United States Marine Corps general, two time Medal of Honor recipient, activist, lecturer, official, and writer (1881-1940)