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Why is it relatively easy for a few armament makers to persuade 'men to go to war, to give their lives; and quite impossible for the much larger group who would benefit by another form of general destruction to persuade men to destroy their property? It is broadly, of course, because the folly of burning down houses is plain; the folly of the policies which lead to war is not so plain.

Norman Angell#21

WarPoliticsSocietyPropagandaPersuasionRisk

About this quote

What does it mean?
People are easily persuaded to wage war because its folly is not obvious, unlike burning houses.
In plain terms
War is easier to support than destroying property because the danger is less clear.
What can you take from it?
War is easier to support because its costs are not immediately visible.

Where it applies

  • analyzing war support
  • critiquing military policy
  • studying public opinion

Putting it to work

  • raising awareness of war costs
  • challenging military rhetoric
  • promoting transparency

Questions to consider

  • Why is war less obviously foolish than arson?
  • How do leaders persuade people to fight?

Another view

It simplifies complex reasons people support war into just a lack of clarity.

More from Norman Angell

  1. There are many who say in effect that public opinion has little to do with war, that it is explained by the influence of the vested interests who profit by it …

    Permalink to quote #20
  2. Before war can be fought, a long series of necessary steps, which quite obviously are not and cannot be enforced steps, must be taken by the mass of men. Naval…

    Permalink to quote #22
  3. Our evils are due mainly to the failure to apply to our international relationships knowledge which is of practically universal possession, often self-evident …

    Permalink to quote #19

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