Discussion»Statements»Rosie's Corner» What is the ultimate goal of war? The longer they go the better they are or the shorter they are the better? Are all wars worth it? How?
In terms of human life - no war is "worth it". However, humans have never valued life so what do they care?
From the dawn of time people have desired power. To find out who's the strongest, they fought. The one who was strongest ruled over those who were weaker. Power. The richer one was, the more power he must possess So a ruler gathers together a large army and attacks his neighbor and, if successful, takes their land and wealth (gold, silver, etc.). Riches and Power. Might makes right. Whatever the ruler says goes and ALL should bow to him. If not, force them into subjection.
But who pays the heaviest price in a war, the ruler or the citizens? No matter which side is victorious, the citizens always pay the higher price. Teh ruler uses them to get what he wants. If they die, oh well. To win, the victor must defeat the opposing army and in doing so, much of the area surrounding the foes stronghold (e.g. castle, city) is destroyed. However, that's where the majority of the citizens live. While the leader himself may eventually be killed or disposed, thousands upon thousands of people on both sides have died. Many more are severely or permanently injured/maimed. The land is littered with debris and spent/unspent ordnance. The cost to rebuild is usually more than the cost to fight the entire war. But what was price was paid with human life? Can it even be calculated? What price do you place on a human life? $10? $100?
Stupid actions on the part of leaders also cost lives. How many wars were started by a leader trying to save face instead of admitting they were wrong? How many wars were started by a leader trying to usurp more power than they needed? How many wars started by a leader thinking their way was the only way? You can count the leaders, but the dead those leaders left behind are innumerable.
Ever wonder what the world would have been like if the peacemakers were always in control? There are some folks who represent our higher selves and serve as examples of what we COULD be. What if they had always ruled? I think I'm gonna ask Shuhak but what do you think? Could such a world continue on if no one plotted against others who craved power or lied or cheated? A benevolent world where violence never existed? Thank you for a very thoughtful and informative analysis in response to my question. I guess all males are territorial? I think of those animals who fight for supremacy and fight to the death to remain "the leader". SIGH. Where do we go from here? First we have to know where we are don't we and I don't think we do. I'm gonna ask that too. :)
I would say it mostly stems from the desire to gain power and more of it. I only find war justifiable in extreme and rare instances. Stopping a genocidal monster like Hitler would justify war.
Shuhak 