War is a cowardly escape from the problems of peace.
- Thomas Mann
2007-09-09 03:19:44 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
War is an extension of diplomacy by other means and a way to make lots of money since governmet officials hold stock in defense companies.
2007-09-09 03:46:36 · answer #1 · answered by Your #1 fan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wholeheartedly agree. Most wars have their origin, among other things, in the leaders of a country trying to achieve an artificial unity which seems only possible against a common enemy. The war leads people to forget about the domestic difficulties and/or make them the fault of "the others". A war gives the gouvernment a good excuse to watch and persecute the opposition, it strengthens the position and authority of a weak leadership, and makes any criticism sound "unpatriotic".
If the Thomas Mann you quoted is the German author, then it shows that he was one of the few humans who manage to learn from history, he fell out with his brother Heinrich for ages over Thomas's being in favour of the first world war.
2007-09-09 03:37:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A statement that is idealistic and unrealistic. Something I would expect from the anti-war zealots that seem to prefer their fantasy world of Utopian peaceful coexistence to the real and dangerous world we live in. The "live and let live" philosophy only works if both parties abide by it.
The so called "problems of peace" assume that peace is simply obtainable by diplomacy and rational negotiations and , unfortunately, these means are by far minuscule compared to the courage and determination often needed to confront our enemies who are incapable of compromise or simply hell bent on their own ideology of hatred and domination.
The "cowardly escape" is the refusal to confront a resolute enemy and ultimately accept their demands. This is not compromise or diplomacy - it's reneging on the promises and legacy of our founding fathers and all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain our freedoms and way of life.
2007-09-09 03:46:40 · answer #3 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like Machiavelli better, it explains the problem. "War is the primary purpose of the state" (A paraphrase, but that is the jist)
2007-09-09 03:37:09 · answer #4 · answered by The law is a form of tyranny. 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's a nice thought, honey, but I doubt you'd be thinking that when sword falls on your neck.
2007-09-09 03:42:53 · answer #5 · answered by LoneStar 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I HOPE THOMAS MANN DIDN'TGET PAID FOR SUCH A NIAVE AND STUPID STATEMENT. WAR IS A NECESSARY EVIL, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE ENEMY THINKS IT IS THEIR MISSION FROM GOD TO KILL YOU.
2007-09-12 18:56:49 · answer #6 · answered by Ted M 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perfect! Peacemaker, the following is NO coward:
http://www.dennis4president.com/home/
2007-09-09 03:34:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋