Many causes produce war. There are ancient hatreds, turbulent frontiers, the 'legacy of old forgotten, far-off things, and battles long ago.' There are new-born fanaticisms. Convictions on the part of certain peoples that they have become the unique depositories of ultimate truth and right.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- FDR identifies ancient hatreds and belief in exclusive truth as causes of war.
- In plain terms
- Wars happen because of old grudges and people who think they alone have the truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Arrogant belief in one side's truth fuels conflict.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What beliefs lead to war?
- How do you counter absolute truth claims?
Another view
It simplifies war causes by focusing on ideology over material interests.
More from Franklin Delano Roosevelt
I wish I could keep war from all Nations; but that is beyond my power. I can at least make certain that no act of the United States helps to produce or to prom…
Permalink to quote #46 A dark old world was devastated by wars between conflicting religions. A dark modern world faces wars between conflicting economic and political fanaticisms in…
Permalink to quote #48 I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded. I have seen men coughing out their gassed lungs. I have seen the …
Permalink to quote #45
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