Peace... Is a morbid condition, due to a surplus of civilians, which war seeks to remedy

Peace... Is a morbid condition, due to a surplus of civilians, which war seeks to remedy

Cyril Connolly, a renowned British writer and literary critic, once famously stated that “Peace... Is a morbid condition, due to a surplus of civilians, which war seeks to remedy.” This provocative statement sheds light on the complex relationship between peace and war, and challenges the conventional notion that peace is always preferable to conflict.

Connolly’s assertion that peace is a “morbid condition” suggests that in times of peace, society becomes complacent and stagnant. Without the threat of war looming over them, civilians may become apathetic and indifferent to the world around them. This surplus of civilians, who are not actively engaged in the struggle for survival, may lead to a sense of ennui and purposelessness. In this sense, war can be seen as a necessary evil that serves to shake society out of its complacency and force individuals to confront the harsh realities of life.

War, according to Connolly, is the remedy for this morbid condition of peace. It serves as a catalyst for change, pushing individuals to their limits and forcing them to confront their own mortality. In times of war, people are forced to band together and work towards a common goal, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that may be lacking in times of peace. War also has the potential to bring out the best in people, inspiring acts of heroism and selflessness that may not have been possible in times of peace.

However, it is important to note that Connolly’s statement should not be taken as an endorsement of war as a solution to all problems. War is a brutal and destructive force that causes immeasurable suffering and loss. The horrors of war should never be romanticized or glorified, and efforts should always be made to prevent conflict and promote peace.