That men should kill one another for want of somewhat else…
“That men should kill one another for want of somewhat else to do, which is the case of all volunteers in war, seems to be so horrible to humanity that there needs no divinity to control it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War's violence is inherently horrific, needing no divine control to be condemned.
In simple terms: War is terribly inhuman.
Key Takeaway
Oppose war and promote peace.
Themes
war
humanity
violence
morality
history
Mood
critical
serious
historical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- peace activism
- military training
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
ethical condemnation
human nature
war ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives to war exist?
- How can societies prevent war?
A Different Perspective
Some argue war can be justified for defense.