The history of those who shed those other tears, the history of those anonymous millions, is what Terkel wants readers read more

The history of those who shed those other tears, the history of those anonymous millions, is what Terkel wants readers and listeners to come away with. What's it like to be that goofy little soldier, scared stiff, with his bayonet aimed at Christ? What's it like to have been a woman in a defense-plant job during World War II? What's it like to be a kid at the front lines? It's all funny and tragic at the same time.

Only two great groups of animals, men and ants, indulge in highly organized mass warfare.

Only two great groups of animals, men and ants, indulge in highly organized mass warfare.

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with read more

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.

War is cruel and you cannot refine it. •William T. Sherman War is too serious a matter to read more

War is cruel and you cannot refine it. •William T. Sherman War is too serious a matter to leave to soldiers.

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That read more

Naturally the common people don't want war; neither in Russia, nor in England, nor in America, nor in Germany. That is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

Oft he that doth abide
Is cause of his own paine,
But he that flieth in good read more

Oft he that doth abide
Is cause of his own paine,
But he that flieth in good tide
Perhaps may fight again.

A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.

A state of war only serves as an excuse for domestic tyranny.

You know — we've had to imagine the war here, and we have imagined that it was being fought by read more

You know — we've had to imagine the war here, and we have imagined that it was being fought by aging men like ourselves. We had forgotten that the wars were fought by babies. When I saw those freashly shaved faces, it was a shock. 'My God, my God —' I said to myself, 'it's the Children's Crusade.'

Marriage is the only war in which you sleep with the enemy.

Marriage is the only war in which you sleep with the enemy.