In all history there is no war which was not hatched by the governments, the governments alone, independent of the interests of the people, to whom war is always pernicious even when successful.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author claims governments alone initiate wars against the interests of their own people.
- In plain terms
- Wars are started by governments, not by regular people.
- What can you take from it?
- Be wary of government decisions that lead to war.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who benefits from war?
- How do governments justify conflict?
Another view
It simplifies war causes by ignoring individual or societal factors.
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