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Isaac Suh
Mrs. Knighten Miller – 5
AP English 11
25 February 2014
Synthesis Essay: War
What makes war so dangerous yet inevitable? Is it the notorious dictators like
Hitler or Mussolini? Is it the radical unions within corrupt countries that push for
revolution? No, it is simple human nature. Humans tend to make harsh and quick
decisions without discussion and thought. If our computer breaks down, we don’t buy
new parts and try to fix it, but we throw it away and buy a new one. It is the imperfection
that we as humans are born with. Similarly, when one country cannot reach a
compromise with another, war is not the solution. The opposing sides must talk until
there is peace. Yet why is the world seemingly fighting every second? To halt all wars,
discussion to an agreement is necessary, and it only brings vengeful emotions and an
atrocious reputation.
Punishing a man for his wrongdoings is definitely necessary, but there are the
limits. A nation or group that kills innocent citizens deserves t be dealt with but not with
war. Letting emotions get the worst of you just adds oil to the fire. The most moderate
way to settle the dispute is to simple talk it over. A quote from Henry Fosdick states “The
tragedy of war is that it uses the man’s best to do the man’s worst”. Here he is suggesting
that the worst a man can do is fight his own brother. On other words his own species.
According to “On Duties” by Marcus Cicero, “there are two ways of settling a dispute;
first by discussion, second by physical force” (On Duties). War is the last resort, and we
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as human beings must realize and appreciate the privilege of being alive with our family
and friends.
War can be settled and avoided but what are the consequences it is doesn’t occur?
It causes worldwide distress., nations with feelings of guilt for centuries, numerous
casualties, and much more. War is not worth all the loss it gives. According to “On War”
by James Boswell, he states that war is “irrational” and “horrid” (On War). Boswell
witnessed preparations of war in Europe and describes it as a the fault of “all men”. Mark
Twain explains in his story “The Lowest Animal” that “Man is the only animal that deals
with that atrocity of atrocities, war.” He compares human being’s intellectuals to a mere
animal. War only makes people regret and mourn.
As crazy as it may sound, discussion must be used to prevent war. War’s
consequences are much too brutal and its sacrifices are not worth the death of millions.
Like Mark Twain once stated, “All the arms we need are for hugging”.