"I am not protesting against the conduct of the war, but against the political errors and insincerities for which the fighting men are being sacrificed"
- Siegfried Sassoon
About this Quote
In this quote, Siegfried Sassoon, the popular British poet and soldier, captures an extensive dissent against the dominating political climate throughout World War I. His declaration reflects a nuanced viewpoint that compares the more comprehensive war efforts and the underlying political intentions and missteps that he thinks are jeopardizing the lives of soldiers.
Sassoon expresses a clear concentrate on the distinction between the military operations themselves and the political decisions orchestrating those operations. He is not slamming the conduct of the war from a strategic or tactical perspective, recommending he respects the duty and efforts of soldiers who are on the front lines. Rather, Sassoon's review is intended straight at the political framework under which these military actions occur. This exposes his frustration with what he perceives as political mistakes and insincerities-- decisions and pledges made by politicians that are either misguided or dishonest.
Using the term "compromised" is particularly poignant, reinforcing the idea that soldiers are being utilized as pawns in a bigger, more ethically ambiguous political video game. Sassoon indicates that these young men, who are putting down their lives, are not doing so for a just or transparent cause. Rather, they are victims of political machinations that stop working to validate the huge human expense.
In addition, by highlighting "political errors and insincerities," Sassoon points to a disconnect between the general public story and the grim truths faced by soldiers. His critique stems from a deep sense of betrayal and disillusionment, sentiments shared by many who experienced the severe realities of war first-hand. This quote encapsulates the despair and anger felt by those who questioned the intentions and sincerity of the management during WWI, making it an effective statement versus the background of wartime politics.
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