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I don't believe that the big men, the politicians and the capitalists alone are guilty of the war. Oh, no, the little man is just as keen, otherwise the people of the world would have risen in revolt long ago! There is an urge and rage in people to destroy, to kill, to murder, and until all mankind, without exception, undergoes a great change, wars will be waged, everything that has been built up, cultivated and grown, will be destroyed and disfigured, after which mankind will have to begin all over again.

Anne Frank#7

PeaceWarHuman natureResponsibilityViolence

About this quote

What does it mean?
War stems from inherent human aggression in all people, not just leaders, requiring a fundamental shift in humanity.
In plain terms
Regular people are just as responsible for war as leaders, so everyone must change.
What can you take from it?
Lasting peace requires a change in every person.

Where it applies

  • conflict analysis
  • philosophy
  • history

Putting it to work

  • study human behavior
  • promote empathy
  • challenge aggression

Questions to consider

  • Is violence inherent in human nature?
  • How do we change human nature?

Another view

Blaming everyone may dilute accountability for actual decision-makers who start wars.

More from Anne Frank

  1. How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before beginning to improve the world.

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. I believe that in the course of the next century [as dated from June 13, 1944] the notion that it's a woman's duty to have children will change and make way fo…

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. God never deserted our people. Right through the ages there were Jews. Through the ages they suffered, but it also made us strong.

    Permalink to quote #5

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