"I don't think that what's going on in Bosnia is political activity. It's partly political, but it's partly atavistic as well"
- John Keegan
About this Quote
John Keegan's quote suggests that the conflict in Bosnia is not entirely a political concern, however is likewise rooted in more primal, instinctive habits. He suggests that the dispute is driven by a mix of political and atavistic forces. Atavism is defined as the re-emergence of ancestral characteristics or behaviors, and in this context, it could describe the revival of tribalism, nationalism, and ethnic hatred that has been present in the area for centuries. Keegan's quote suggests that the conflict in Bosnia is not just a political problem, but is likewise driven by more primal, instinctive behavior. This could describe why the conflict has actually been so difficult to resolve, as it is not just a matter of political compromise, but likewise of attending to the underlying tribal and ethnic stress that have actually been present in the area for centuries.
"One has children in the expectation of dying before them. In fact, you want to make damn sure you die before them, just as you plant a tree or build a house knowing, hoping that it will outlive you. That's how the human species has done as well as it has"
"Well, I think any time you delve into this sort of religion, politics, as you well know, you're going to, you know, touch a few nerves. I wasn't - now - and this is the honest truth"
