--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If governments were kind, they'd realize…" description: "\"If governments were kind, they'd realize that conficts are resolved and wars prevented not by armies but by ordinary people.\" — Scilla Elworthy" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e0/scilla-elworthy-27159_army_if-governments-were-kind-they-d-realize_3115924.png" --- # If governments were kind, they'd realize that conficts are… ![“If governments were kind, they'd realize that conficts are resolved and wars prevented not by armies but by ordinary people.” quote by Scilla Elworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e0/scilla-elworthy-27159_army_if-governments-were-kind-they-d-realize_3115924.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e0/scilla-elworthy-27159_army_if-governments-were-kind-they-d-realize_3115924.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9e0/scilla-elworthy-27159_army_if-governments-were-kind-they-d-realize_3115924.png) > “If governments were kind, they'd realize that conficts are resolved and wars prevented not by armies but by ordinary people.” [Scilla Elworthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scilla-elworthy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Peace is best achieved through the actions of ordinary citizens rather than military force, emphasizing kindness and grassroots involvement. **In simple terms:** Ordinary people can prevent wars more than armies. Key Takeaway Empower communities to resolve conflicts peacefully. Themes peace conflict resolution grassroots kindness Mood hopeful inspirational Type activist motivational When to use this quote - neighborhood mediation - community organizing - education programs - local NGOs - peace workshops Key Concepts non‑violence civil society empowerment Questions to Reflect On - What role should governments play alongside citizens in peacebuilding? - How can ordinary people be equipped to handle large‑scale conflicts? A Different Perspective The statement may underestimate the complexity of state security and geopolitical threats. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Army](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/army/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Governments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/governments/) [Ordinary people](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ordinary-people/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Resolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/resolution/) [Resolve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/resolve/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) [Win win](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/win-win/) ## Related quotes > [All conflicts can be resolved. Wars and conflicts are not inevitable. They are caused by human beings. 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