Our first and most pressing problem is how to do away with…
“Our first and most pressing problem is how to do away with warfare as a method of solving conflicts between national groups or between groups within a society who have different views about how the society is to be run. If you look back, you will see that warfare was an invention, just as ways of handling government or taxes are inventions. You will see, too, that once people use an invention they go on using it until they find another which they think is superior.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War is an invented tool for conflict resolution; societies must develop new, non‑violent methods.
In simple terms: War is a man‑made solution; seek alternatives.
Key Takeaway
Promote peaceful conflict resolution strategies.
Themes
peace
conflict resolution
social innovation
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- government policy
- community mediation
- education curricula
- international diplomacy
Key Concepts
political theory
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- What non‑violent alternatives can replace war?
- How can societies shift cultural acceptance of warfare?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched institutions is difficult and may face resistance.