"Everyone's a pacifist between wars. It's like being a vegetarian between meals"

This quote by Colman McCarthy is a commentary on the human tendency to be tranquil and non-violent when there is no problem or risk present. It suggests that when there is no battle or violence, individuals have a tendency to be extra serene and tolerant of each other. However, when a dispute emerges, individuals fast to turn to physical violence as well as aggressiveness. This quote is likewise a contrast between pacifism as well as vegetarianism. Just as a vegetarian just avoids eating meat in between dishes, people are just pacifists in between battles. This indicates that people are only serene when there is no conflict, but when a conflict emerges, they are willing to turn to physical violence. This quote is a reminder that peace must be a priority also when there is no conflict, and that violence should just be utilized as a last resource.