The quote "War demanded valour even in pilfering" from Jaroslav Hašek's "The Good Soldier Švejk" highlights the paradox of bravery during war. It suggests that even acts typically seen as cowardly or rogue, like stealing, require a certain audacity that is often admired in the context of conflict. The absurdity of such a notion reflects the chaotic nature of war and the moral ambiguities that come with it.

Hašek's work, through its satirical lens, critiques the romanticized view of war, portraying soldiers who must navigate the complexities of survival. This quote encapsulates the idea that in wartime, traditional values of honor and integrity are subverted, and what may be deemed dishonorable can paradoxically require courage, illustrating the blurred lines between right and wrong in the face of adversity.