War is not a polite recreation but the vilest thing in life, and we ought to understand that and not play at war. Our attitude towards the fearful necessity of war ought to be stern. It boils down to this: we should have done with humbug, and let war be war and not a game. Otherwise, war is a favourite pastime of the idle and frivolous...

Summary

In this quote, the author emphasizes the true nature of war as a despicable and repugnant reality. They argue that it should not be treated lightly or as a form of entertainment. The author calls for a serious understanding and acceptance of the grim necessity that war sometimes entails. They admonish against the pretenses and facade often associated with war, urging society to abandon any glamorous or trivializing view of it. By doing so, the author suggests that war will no longer be seen as a diversion for the idle and frivolous, but rather as a grave matter deserving of utmost seriousness.

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