By George Monopatis

Leon Trotsky once said, “You may not be interested in war, but war is interested in you“. In a realistic and naturalistic way, Trotsky stated that people should remember that war is always an option when states cannot resolve their disputes in a more peaceful way. It is actually quite idiotic to think, even in the 21st century, that war will be relegated to the archives of history.

War is an ancient archetype, an essential aspect of human societies. Since antiquity, when language fell short, the blade spoke silently. Homer said, “Τhe blade itself incites to acts of violence“, as he was writing about one of the biggest wars in antiquity. The question is, is it possible for humanity to casually lay down arms and forfeit the past? Unfortunately for us no, but do you know why?

Well the answer to the question is quite simple, but by no means easy to be fully and entirely comprehended. Interest is the instigator of violence and as long humanity exists, the force of interest will persist. In situations inclined toward violence, one will always have the impression or actually be stronger than others, something that fuels conflict, at most times for the coherent fulfillment of specific ends. From the personal level to the national level, this principle applies, for interest propels not only individuals but also entire nations to act in very dark ways since time immemorial.

States and all collective entities, as humans, always seek to increase their wealth in the pursuit of well-being; 

People seem to hate and detest the act of war, but in a strange way, even in modern society, we witness various forms of war glorification. For example, Hollywood portrays the legendary war hero and veteran Rambo, who, after returning from the Vietnam War, continues to fight for various reasons and causes, and manages to attract millions of people to the cinemas worldwide. Video games glorify war as well, with the Call of Duty series selling millions of copies every year to audiences of all ages. But how is that joy different from the pleasure of reading military history?