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I will tell you what war is. War is a psychosis caused by…

“I will tell you what war is. War is a psychosis caused by an inability to see relationships. Our relationship with our fellowmen. Our relationship with our economic and historical situation. And above all our relationship to nothingness, to death.” quote by John Fowles
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“I will tell you what war is. War is a psychosis caused by an inability to see relationships. Our relationship with our fellowmen. Our relationship with our economic and historical situation. And above all our relationship to nothingness, to death.”

John Fowles

About This Quote

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

War stems from a collective inability to recognize interdependence among people, history, and mortality, leading to destructive conflict.

In simple terms: War is caused by not seeing connections.

Key Takeaway

Recognize interdependence to prevent conflict.

Themes

war psychology human nature philosophy

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • political negotiations
  • community building
  • education curricula
  • conflict resolution training

Key Concepts

interdependence existentialism systems thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies foster awareness of mutual dependence?
  • What role does confronting mortality play in peace?
A Different Perspective

Human nature often resists seeing systemic links, making change difficult.

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