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In olden times when there was a war, it was a…

“In olden times when there was a war, it was a human-to-human confrontation. The victor in battle would directly see the blood and suffering of the defeated enemy. Nowadays, it is much more terrifying because a person in an office can push a button and kill millions of people and never see the…” quote by Dalai Lama
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“In olden times when there was a war, it was a human-to-human confrontation. The victor in battle would directly see the blood and suffering of the defeated enemy. Nowadays, it is much more terrifying because a person in an office can push a button and kill millions of people and never see the human tragedy that he or she has created. The mechanization of war, the mechanization of human conflict, poses an increasing threat to peace.”

Dalai Lama

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Modern warfare removes direct human contact, making mass killing easier and less emotionally resonant, increasing the danger to peace.

In simple terms: War now is remote and impersonal, raising the risk of large‑scale violence.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and mitigate the detachment in modern conflict.

Themes

peace technology war ethics

Mood

concerned serious

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • military planning
  • public awareness
  • education on war ethics

Key Concepts

dehumanization deterrence strategic risk

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does distance affect moral responsibility?
  • What safeguards can restore human empathy in warfare?
A Different Perspective

Remote killing can desensitize societies, potentially lowering thresholds for conflict.

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