The real trouble with war (modern war) is that it gives no one a chance to kill the right people

The real trouble with war (modern war) is that it gives no one a chance to kill the right people

Ezra Pound, a renowned American poet and critic, once famously said, “The real trouble with war (modern war) is that it gives no one a chance to kill the right people.” This statement encapsulates the futility and senselessness of war, particularly in the modern era where conflicts are often complex and involve multiple parties with varying agendas.

Pound, who lived through both World Wars and witnessed the devastation and loss of life that they brought, understood the destructive nature of war all too well. In his view, the indiscriminate violence and chaos of modern warfare make it nearly impossible for individuals to target and eliminate the true instigators of conflict. Instead, innocent civilians, soldiers, and even children often bear the brunt of the violence, while those responsible for starting and perpetuating the war remain safely removed from the front lines.