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About this quote

What does it mean?
Violence existed before civilizations formed, suggesting war predates order.
In plain terms
Violence started long before societies were built.
What can you take from it?
Conflict may be older than civilization.

Where it applies

  • studying history
  • debating human nature
  • examining conflict

Putting it to work

  • trace conflict roots
  • question progress

Questions to consider

  • Is war part of human nature?
  • Can we end old cycles?

Another view

Evidence for prehistoric violence is debated.

More from Thomas Hardy

  1. Aggressive Fancy working spells Upon a mind o'erwrought.

    Permalink to quote #69
  2. My argument is that War makes rattling good history; but Peace is poor reading.

    Permalink to quote #71
  3. A local cult, called Christianity.

    Permalink to quote #68

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