War has painted the canvas of our history. The wars fought in the past, the collateral damage, the aftermath that is felt to this very day… Even if you win, there is an underlying notion, the elephant in the room, that begs the all-important question: Was it all worth it?
Let’s take a step back, change the perspective, and delve into the duality of war.
We Are the Same
We’re cut from the same cloth despite being shaded differently. We are the two sides of the same coin. The individual on enemy frontlines is fighting for their own definition of justice. Not every soldier is fueled with fervor and passion for giving their life, knowing they have a family behind, worried sick every night for their well-being.
Some wars were fought to acquire land, others to demonstrate dominance, and some for supremacy. It’s been egos clashing against egos, calling each other out for their differences, who are ironically the same.
Is It Worth It?
40 million in the first World War, 80 million in the second. After realizing there isn’t necessarily a right or wrong, the astronomical number of lives lost seems utterly devastating. The repercussions of war extend far beyond the battlefield. The artillery, ammunition, and human resources invested in wars deliver a major blow to nations’ overall Gross Domestic Product. With most of the budget allocated toward defense, very little is left for the general public.
Peace Is Always an Option
The concept of war transcends morality. It is a biological tendency for men to wage war, to compete for superiority. But, if war is a biological urge, so is the need for peace. As the dust settles, gunpowder dissolves in the air, and adrenaline slowly descends; we come to our senses.
Einstein, the catalyst in the development of the atomic bomb, famously quotes:
“Had I known that the Germans would not succeed in developing an atomic bomb, I would have done nothing.”
He speaks at the expense of the innocent lives lost in the name of power play and political vendettas. Arguably the greatest scientist to ever live, accredited with some of the most revolutionary inventions in human history, harboring the regret of having blood on his hands.
Understanding the duality of war should be a priority. The books that have inked out history are evidence of the unnecessary bloodshed and hate.
Author Dr. Lori Schneider does her part, using poetry as an effective and inspiring device to depict the duality of war and the importance of peace in a society that needs unity now more than ever. Her anthology is intricately compiled, discussing numerous hard-hitting subjects that give audiences something to think about.
Grab her book, A Brighter TOMORROW, now available on Amazon.
