The Purpose of War

Renowned author Napoleon Hill once said, “War grows out of the desire of the individual to gain advantage at the expense of his fellow man.” Ever since the creation of man there has always been conflict and over time that conflict resulted in anger and hostility. War is simply put is basically just a major clash among multiple countries or groups within countries. War can be caused or motivated by the desire for resources, land, and power. It can also be motivated by religion. War can be both armed and unarmed as proven by the “Cold War” between the United States and the Soviet Union in the nineteen sixties’. War involves the interest and motives for both sides involved in the conflict. Over time war has evolved from the conquering of land to the protection of freedoms and liberties. In earlier days wars revolved around cultural beliefs and the domination of land but they have now progressed to the protection of freedom and for the self interest of those involved. Of course there are also numerous people to object to war because of the harmful effects it has on the human race. These people are called Pacifists meaning that they refuse to carry out in act of service in war or participate in any aspect of war. However, as there are many people who oppose war many there are also even more people who approve of it. Pro-war people would insight that war is a just cause and is necessary for nations and groups to prosper. Everything has a purpose; including war. Although millions of people have died as a result of war, their lives were not lost in vain. The millions of people who have died have given up the lives as a sacrifice for the religion, freedoms, and beliefs that they stood for. Of course at times in wars it seems as if the...

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...ly meaning, people need to stop having war with one another before it ultimately leads to the demise of all people.

Understanding the purposes of war and how it has evolved is one thing; however, understanding how and why it continues in today’s society is another. In today’s society war is a prevalent problem. War has also become a tool for governments to not only help economies prosper but to also allow the promotion of individual self interest of those involved. Although war is effective there are other tools in the tool box that can be implemented. Because of the increases in technology and increasing threat of nuclear weapons something needs to be done to prevent the destruction of nations, states, and lives. War is something that needs to be closely monitored if not kept in check, just like JFK said previously; it will lead to the destruction of us all.