There is hardly such a thing as a war in which it makes no difference who wins. Nearly always one side stands more or less for progress, the other side more or less for reaction.

Summary

This quote suggests that in every war, there is a discernible difference between the sides involved. The speaker argues that one side tends to align with progress, striving for positive change and advancement, while the other side represents reaction, opposing transformative ideas. This implies that the outcome of a war influences the trajectory of society, as it determines whether progress or a return to previous conditions will prevail. The quote underscores the significance of war by highlighting its potential consequences for societal development.