Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history

Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history

Chris Hedges, a renowned journalist and author, has long been a vocal critic of war and violence. His work often delves into the destructive nature of conflict and the toll it takes on humanity. The statistic that of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for only 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history, is a sobering reminder of the pervasive nature of war throughout human civilization.

Hedges has written extensively about the impact of war on individuals, societies, and the world at large. He argues that war is not only destructive in terms of loss of life and physical destruction, but also in terms of the psychological and moral damage it inflicts on those involved. The fact that peace has been such a rare occurrence throughout history underscores the deep-seated nature of violence in human society.

Hedges often points to the role of power and greed in fueling conflicts, whether they be wars between nations or internal conflicts within societies. He argues that the pursuit of power and wealth at the expense of others is a driving force behind much of the violence we see in the world today. The statistic that humans have been at peace for only 8 percent of recorded history serves as a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked power and greed.

Hedges also highlights the role of propaganda and misinformation in justifying war and perpetuating violence. He argues that governments and other powerful entities often manipulate public opinion to garner support for military interventions, even when those interventions are not in the best interests of the people. The fact that peace has been such a rare occurrence throughout history is a testament to the effectiveness of propaganda in perpetuating conflict.