Ethical Addresses Volume 5 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1898 edition. Excerpt: ...fails to grasp the amount, and about three million men are kept standing in arms. Imagine what it would mean if all that is now paid to keep the different nations in readiness to fight with each other could be devoted to the peaceful pursuits of civilization, to the promotion of science and art and education Imagine what a gain to humanity it would be if the physical and moral strength of all those who waste their lives in European barracks could be applied to those various fields of useful activity for which their talents are fitted While the different European nations are by profession the followers of him whose fundamental teaching was the doctrine of human brotherhood, yet in practice, owing to the intense military spirit that prevails, they are followers of the Prince of Evil rather than the Prince of Peace. Not Christ but the Devil is the patron saint of militarism. If any one needs to be convinced of what a diabolical business war is, let him read what some of the experienced generals of the past have said of it. "Ours is a damnable profession," said an old British general. "War is the trade of barbarians," said Napoleon, in one of his reflective moods. "War is hell " said General Sherman. Could anything be more condemnatoryi' The testimony of many of the best minds of modern times is to the same effect. " Put together all the vices of all the ages and places," said Voltaire, "and they will not come up to the mischiefs of one campaign." "Will nations never devise," said Jefferson, "a more rational umpire of differences than force? War is an instrument entirely inefficient towards reducing wrong, and multiplies, instead or indemnifying, ...