"The principal cause of war is war itself"
- C. Wright Mills
About this Quote
This quote by C. Wright Mills recommends that war is a self-perpetuating cycle. War is not brought on by any one element, but rather by the presence of war itself. War creates a situation in which people are most likely to turn to violence and dispute in order to deal with disagreements. This develops a cycle of violence and dispute that can be challenging to break. War also produces a circumstance in which individuals are more likely to be suspicious of one another and to view each other with hostility. This further adds to the cycle of violence and dispute. War also creates a circumstance in which individuals are more likely to be happy to take severe measures in order to safeguard their interests. This can cause additional violence and conflict. Eventually, war is a self-perpetuating cycle that can be challenging to break.
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