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Any casual observer of history knows that reading/watching content about war is nothing like the reality.

True, but prior to the world wars the general view of war was far more glamorous.

English poets today don't write how war is great for the spirit or whatever...

Sure, there's still plenty who don't quite get how bad armed conflict actually is.. but it's less romanticized today.

no not in the same way, we instead live it vicariously in movies and games, and if we die we reload and go kill more "other" be it Nazi Communist or Islamic Fundamentalist, we go shoot more enemy a get a steady drip of dopamine with every virtual bullet.

In "All Quiet on the Western Front" I recall one of the characters teachers encouraging the young kids to go... Did your teacher preach about the glory of fighting for freedom in Iraq?

Reading wikipedia it seems when the book came out it was critically received by some for "it's pacifists agenda".

Sure, we still glorify warfare, but our culture and tolerance for casualties have changed dramatically.

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