Civilization is nothing else than the attempt to reduce force to being the last resort

Civilization is nothing else than the attempt to reduce force to being the last resort

In the context of Jose Ortega y Gasset's philosophy, the statement "Civilization is nothing else than the attempt to reduce force to being the last resort" holds significant meaning. Ortega y Gasset was a Spanish philosopher and essayist who explored the nature of human existence and the role of civilization in shaping society. He believed that civilization was a delicate balance between order and chaos, and that the ultimate goal of civilization was to minimize the use of force in resolving conflicts.

Ortega y Gasset's statement suggests that civilization is a process of evolution, where societies strive to create a system of laws, norms, and values that govern human behavior and interactions. By establishing these rules, civilizations seek to minimize the need for violence and coercion as a means of resolving disputes. Instead, they promote dialogue, negotiation, and compromise as the preferred methods of conflict resolution.