Bertha von Suttner, Nobel Peace Prize 1905
To all those who still think that wars are a necessity and need to be fought whatever the human and material cost, I recommend reading Bertha von Suttners writings, especially her book “Lay down your arms” (Die Waffen nieder, 1889).
The cost of war is not limited to the loss of material goods, the destruction of towns and infrastructure and the loss of lives, although these are definitely reasons enough not to engage in wars. The cost of wars is also the loss of perspectives for a peaceful future, for a future at all. Each violent deed creates pain and suffering and deep-seated resentments which will surface again and poison all future actions.
Your task for today and the rest of Easter is to study the following quotes by Bertha von Suttner and review your support for ongoing and future wars. Whatever reasons you may have and bring forth to justify an engagement in war and violence, know that you are deeply wrong in doing so. Think it through because the absence of thinking things through is the underlying reason for the mess we are in. In the words of Bertha von Suttner:
“Denken nicht,” wiederholte er. “Gott sei’s geklagt, das ist an allen Übeln schuld: die meisten denken nicht.” (“They don’t think,” he repeated. “For heaven’s sake, that is to blame for all evil: most people don’t think.”)
- Nationalism is a tool used by those in power to control the masses and justify their actions.
- The goal of true education is to create individuals who value peace and seek to resolve conflicts through dialogue and understanding.
- Humanity will never progress if we continue to glorify violence and warfare.
- War has become the industry of the world, and peace has become the dream of a few.
- The pursuit of peace is not a weakness, but a sign of strength and wisdom.
And if you want to listen to the book then download the free audio book “Die Waffen nieder” here.
I would like to read your thoughts on this so do not hesitate to leave a comment.
Education 3 