The old assumption of the approximate impossibility of war…
“The old assumption of the approximate impossibility of war really rested on a similar assumption about the impossibility of evil-and especially of evil in high places.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The belief that war is impossible rests on the false notion that evil cannot exist, especially among leaders.
In simple terms: War seems impossible if evil is thought impossible.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about evil and power.
Themes
war
evil
leadership
philosophy
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- international diplomacy
- ethical leadership
- conflict resolution
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
human nature
morality
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Do leaders truly embody virtue?
- How does belief in evil shape policy?
A Different Perspective
Evil can persist despite moral arguments.