Famous quote by George C. Marshall

"I was very careful to send Mr. Roosevelt every few days a statement of our casualties. I tried to keep before him all the time the casualty results because you get hardened to these things and you have to be very careful to keep them always in the forefront of your mind"

About this Quote

The quote credited to George C. Marshall reveals several extensive insights about management, duty, and the psychological impacts of war. Marshall, a recognized military leader throughout World War II and the architect of the Marshall Plan in the post-war years, highlights the value of preserving awareness of the human expense of conflict, especially for those in the highest levels of decision-making.

Firstly, Marshall's careful efforts to regularly notify President Franklin D. Roosevelt of wartime casualties serve to highlight a sense of accountability and transparency. By offering constant updates on casualties, he makes sure that the president remains grounded in the realities of warfare, beyond strategic goals and successes. This practice shows Marshall's understanding of the weight of human life, highlighting that choices taken in the war room have tangible and typically grave effects on the battlefield.

Additionally, Marshall's words recommend an intense awareness of the psychological toll of desensitization. The expression "you get hardened to these things" hints at the natural human tendency to end up being inured to continuous exposure to violence and loss, specifically when bombarded with statistics instead of personal stories. It is a cautionary note on the threat of ending up being separated or emotionally distanced from the harsh truths of war. Marshall's statement reflects a deliberate effort to guard against this mental numbing, advocating for a conscious effort to keep the human and humanitarian elements of warfare at the forefront of decision-making processes.

Furthermore, from a management viewpoint, Marshall implicitly speaks to the moral and ethical obligation of leaders to stay empathetic and humane in their responsibilities. The quote clarifies his belief that effective leaders need to balance tactical needs with compassion and an intense awareness of the costs borne by individuals and households associated with the dispute.

In conclusion, Marshall's words show a deep understanding of the interplay in between technique and humanity in management functions, highlighting the crucial need to continually acknowledge and contemplate the human cost of dispute.

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About the Author

USA Flag This quote is from George C. Marshall between December 31, 1880 and October 16, 1959. He/she was a famous Soldier from USA. The author also have 3 other quotes.
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