Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Humanities/2022 September 7

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September 7

Did Admiral Halsey Really Say "...the Japanese language will only be spoken in hell"?

I'm writing an historical novel about the second world war in the pacific. I've come across various versions of the following quote attributed to Admiral "Bull" Halsey: "When we're finished with them, the Japanese language will only be spoken in hell" But when I google the quote, I find many quote sites but none with what Wikipedia would consider reliable sources, especially when and where he said it. It sounds like something he would say. I don't mean that in a negative way, I think one has to understand the mindset of people during war. I would like to include the quote but would like to also include where and when he said it. Or if he didn't say it (if known) how the quote came to be associated with him. Thanks. MadScientistX11 (talk) 21:20, 7 September 2022 (UTC)

This happens so often to me. After asking a question, I immediately think of the likely answer. As soon as I posted the above I realize "perhaps check the Wikipedia article on Halsey?" and sure enough there it was and he did say it right after Pearl Harbor. MadScientistX11 (talk) 21:23, 7 September 2022 (UTC)

• Courtesy link: William Halsey Jr.#Early Pacific carrier raids. --174.95.81.219 (talk) 00:04, 8 September 2022 (UTC)

Top tip: try searching Google Books for a better class of results (although not an immense improvement in this case, but Mark Felton is a reliable sort of chap). Alansplodge (talk) 22:32, 7 September 2022 (UTC)

Ian W. Toll has parenthetically "probably apocryphal" in The Conquering Tide. The citation is incorrect in the Halsey article, it's actually p. 81 of Admiral Halsey's Story and apparently the recollection of then Lieutenant H. Douglas Moulton his flag secretary. E. B. Potter in Bull Halsey cites this and Edward P. Stafford's The Big E. fiveby(zero) 17:51, 8 September 2022 (UTC)

How does Confucianism legitimize Yu the Great? (Or does it?)

The story of Yu the Great leaving his family for decades to stop the flooding of ancient China is a widespread tale, and Yu is often celebrated for his commitment. I wonder though, how does (or does it?) Confucianism legitimize Yu's decision to leave his family (& village) for so long? It seems starkly at odds with Confucian family and community values; perhaps it is simply a matter of 'higher purpose' or 'priority' in the Confucian lens, but maybe it's more complex? I am reminded of the frequent critiques to early Chinese Buddhism, where Confucians derided the tradition's emphasis on leaving society/family for monk-hood. Aza24 (talk) 22:50, 7 September 2022 (UTC)