"Some wars have been due to the lust of rulers for power and glory, or to revenge to wipe out the humiliation of a former defeat"

This quote by John Boyd Orr talks to the motivations behind a few of the wars that have actually been battled throughout history. It recommends that some wars have actually been battled out of a desire for power and magnificence on the part of rulers, or out of a desire to avenge a previous defeat. This suggests that wars are typically defended self-centered reasons, rather than for the greater good of the people. It also suggests that wars are often combated to keep a sense of pride and honor, instead of for any real useful purpose. This quote works as a suggestion that wars are typically fought for personal gain, rather than for any genuine benefit to society. It is a pointer that wars ought to not be fought gently, which the inspirations behind them must be thoroughly thought about.