Available Quote by Cynthia Ozick
“Wars, invented and organized by the highest available consciousnesses (do the worms go to war? do the fish? do the paramecia?), are the planet's chief source and cause of torment.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The New Yorker" (fiction), 1990
War is portrayed as a product of the highest consciousness, causing planetary suffering.
In simple terms: War stems from lofty minds, causing pain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the root causes of conflict.
Themes
conflict
philosophy
human nature
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- peace studies
- ethical debates
- global policy
Key Concepts
consciousness
war ethics
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives societies to wage war?
- Can consciousness be neutral?
A Different Perspective
War may be justified by perceived higher purpose.
![“René of Anjou [(1409-80)] painted a picture of his mistress's corpse as he found it eaten by worms on having it [her tomb] openedon his return from a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. This [is] another instance of the strange mixture of religion and gallantry in those ages.” quote by Horace Walpole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aba/horace-walpole-3357_age_ren-of-anjou-1409-80-painted-a-picture-o_33917.jpg)
