“The most essential skill in wartime is the ability to lie.”
What this quote means
Chris Hedges highlights a brutal reality: in wartime, propaganda and lying become essential tools to mobilize populations, demonize the enemy, and justify the unspeakable. This quote warns us that truth is often the first casualty of conflict. It urges us to stay vigilant against warmongering rhetoric and to cultivate a critical mind, especially when media relay simplistic or manipulative narratives.
How to apply it daily
When encountering information about a conflict, verify sources, cross-check perspectives, and be wary of black-and-white narratives that dehumanize the other side.
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