The tragedy of America is that it entered all the wars with a

Henry Kissinger, architect of diplomacy and student of history’s long shadows, once spoke with stern reflection: “The tragedy of America is that it entered all the wars with a consensus in favor of them, but within a defined period, the legitimacy of the war became a major domestic issue, with some people arguing that withdrawal was the only legitimate objective.” These words echo like a lament, for they capture not only the cycles of conflict but also the restless heart of a nation torn between unity and division, courage and disillusion. America’s wars, he declares, are not only fought abroad—they are fought at home, in the conscience of its people.

The origin of this saying lies in Kissinger’s long career observing American power in the twentieth century. From the Second World War, to Korea, to Vietnam, and beyond, he witnessed how the United States often began its wars with great consensus, with voices joined in defense of freedom or security. Yet, as the battles dragged on, the glow of unity dimmed. Casualties mounted, costs rose, and doubts crept into the hearts of citizens. What had begun as noble and necessary turned into controversy, with some crying that the only path forward was retreat. In these cycles Kissinger saw not only policy but tragedy, for he believed that wavering resolve weakened both America’s hand abroad and its spirit within.

The meaning of his words is twofold. First, they reveal that war is never only a matter of strategy; it is a contest of legitimacy in the eyes of those who fight it and those who sustain it. A war may be launched with thunderous approval, yet its endurance depends on the will of the people. Second, his words reveal the fragility of national unity. For when consensus collapses, the very objectives of the war unravel. Victory becomes uncertain, not because of defeat in the field, but because of division at home. Thus, the tragedy is not only in the blood shed, but in the loss of clarity and purpose.

History offers vivid proof. In Vietnam, America entered with the belief that it was halting communism’s march, backed by bipartisan consensus and popular support. But as the years dragged on, and the jungles consumed soldiers, the legitimacy of the war collapsed. Cities at home erupted in protest, families split in anguish, and the once-united cry for freedom was drowned out by chants for withdrawal. The tragedy was not only in the lives lost, but in the transformation of purpose into bitterness. The nation emerged scarred, not only by war abroad, but by war within.

A similar tale unfolded in Korea, the “forgotten war.” At its beginning, Americans rallied to resist the invasion of the South. But as the frontlines seesawed, as stalemate replaced victory, doubts arose. Once again, what began in unity ended in division. And even in the noble triumph of World War II, where consensus endured longer, the memory of unity was shadowed in later decades by questions over the atomic bomb and the morality of total war. Kissinger’s words encompass them all: America enters with strength of unity, yet too often ends with the bitterness of discord.

Yet, let us not hear in his words only despair. For within them lies a warning and a teaching: wars must not only be fought with weapons, but with clarity of purpose, honesty of leadership, and truth shared with the people. If consensus is won through fear or illusion, it will crumble when the harsh winds of reality arrive. Only when the people are given a cause both just and enduring can their unity survive the trials of war. Thus, Kissinger calls us to wisdom: do not mistake the enthusiasm of beginnings for the strength of endurance.

The lesson for us, children of tomorrow, is plain: beware the ease of entering conflict, for its beginning is simple, but its end is never so. Demand of your leaders not only the reasons for war, but also the vision for peace. Do not give your consent lightly, for once given, it binds not only soldiers but also generations. And if you must withdraw, do so with the honesty of admitting failure, not with the illusion that withdrawal alone redeems the cost. For the greatest tragedy is not only in entering wars unwisely, but in failing to learn from them.

Practical wisdom demands this: in your own struggles, as in those of nations, do not confuse initial enthusiasm with lasting resolve. When you commit, commit with eyes open, knowing that endurance will test you. Seek clarity before you act, for unity without truth will wither, but unity rooted in justice can endure even the fiercest storms. In this way, the tragedy Kissinger named may yet be transformed into a lesson of strength for those who come after.