"My argument is that War makes rattling good history; but Peace is poor reading"

Thomas Hardy's quote, "My argument is that War makes rattling great history; but Peace is poor reading", can be unpacked to reveal the intricacies of human engagement with history and literature. At its core, Hardy posits a distinction between the remarkable, frequently disorderly narratives produced by war and the relatively ordinary stories of peace. In doing so, he touches on more comprehensive themes of conflict, human nature, and the consumption of narratives.

War has actually historically been a catalyst for remarkable change and turning points in history. It tends to involve extreme conflict, heroism, disaster, and profound change-- components that naturally lend themselves to compelling storytelling. From a creative standpoint, war offers an abundant tapestry of emotions and events that engage readers and record their creativities. The stakes are high in wartime stories, often drawing the reader into a journey filled with stress and resolution. Sturdy suggests that these elements create a "rattling excellent history", or a narrative that is both exciting and fascinating.

On the other hand, peace, defined by stability and the absence of extensive dispute, might not inherently use the same level of remarkable stress. Stories of peace often focus on connection and the everyday lives of people and societies. While peace is typically preferable in reality, it can seem less eventful or gripping compared to the intense drama of war. Hardy's observation that peace is "bad reading" suggests that stories centered around serene times may do not have the instant drama and conflict that make stories vibrant and interesting to an audience looking for heightened psychological experiences.

Nevertheless, Hardy's assertion also welcomes much deeper reflection on why narratives fixated dispute may be more appealing. It challenges readers to consider whether the appeal of war stories originates from an intrinsic part of humanity that seeks out conflict or, additionally, whether it exposes a cultural predisposition towards celebrating significant change over steady, serene development. Ultimately, Hardy's quote provokes believed on how societies focus on and remember historical occasions and the stories they pick to tell.