Quotation by

William Tecumseh Sherman

If the people raise a great howl against my barbarity and cruelty, I will answer that war is war, and not popularity seeking.
War

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Understanding this quote AI Analysis

Sherman is saying that if people complain loudly about how harsh and cruel he is during war, he will respond by emphasizing that war requires tough actions, not trying to be liked. He believes that the nature of war demands severity, regardless of public opinion or popularity.

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