"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse"

John Stuart Mill's quote speaks with the complexity of war and its location in society. He acknowledges that war is an ugly thing, however he also suggests that the ethical and patriotic sensations of those who think nothing is worth war is even worse. He suggests that war can be a needed evil, which it is sometimes essential to combat for a higher good. He also indicates that those who think nothing is worth war have a decayed and degraded sense of morality and patriotism. This recommends that war can be an honorable endeavor, which it is in some cases essential to combat for a higher cause. Mill's quote speaks to the complexity of war and its location in society, and suggests that it is sometimes needed to fight for a greater good.