I formed the hypothesis that each of us could have achieved our objectives without the terrible loss of life. And I wanted to test that by going to Vietnam.
McNamara, on his 1995 meeting in Vietnam with the former Foreign Minister of Vietnam
In this scene
More from The Fog of War
Robert McNamara We all make mistakes. We know we make mistakes. I don't know any military commander, who is honest, who would say he has not made a mistake. There's a wonderful phrase: 'the fog of war.' What "the fog of war" means is: war is so complex it's beyond the ability of the human mind to comprehend all the variables. Our judgment, our understanding, are not adequate. And we kill people unnecessarily.
Robert McNamara The major lesson of the Cuban missile crisis is this: the indefinite combination of human fallibility and nuclear weapons will destroy nations. Is it right and proper that today there are 7500 offensive strategic nuclear warheads, of which 2500 are on a 15 minute alert to be lauched at the decision of *one* human being?
Robert McNamara Never answer the question that is asked of you. Answer the question that you wish had been asked of you.
The Fog of War
All The Fog of War quotes →
All The Fog of War quotes →