War as Napoleon knew it just not possible any more. However, we're very unlikely to accept or recognize 'world peace' even when we get it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Traditional large-scale wars are obsolete, yet humanity struggles to accept lasting peace. We resist recognizing stability even when it arrives.
- In plain terms
- Old wars are gone, but we still doubt peace will last.
- What can you take from it?
- Human nature resists accepting permanent peace.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we expect conflict more than peace?
- What stops you from accepting good news?
Another view
Peace may be fragile or temporary regardless of acceptance.
More from Bruce Sterling
They're busily re-thinking a lot of their cherished doctrines. Nothing concentrates the military mind like getting shot at.
Permalink to quote #57 We indeed see the globe caught up in a 'new kind of world war,' but what kind is it? Veterans of World War One and Two would have to shake their heads at a 'wa…
Permalink to quote #59 They used to be seen as insane or unthinkable acts of madmen. But if they take place they'll be called 'war' too. And there will still be no conventional war.
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