"The World War broke out with such elemental violence, and with such resort to all means for leading or misleading public opinion, that no time was available for reflection and consideration"

This quote by Hjalmar Branting speaks to the unexpected and also unforeseen nature of the World War. The war started with a great deal of physical violence and a concerted initiative to manipulate public opinion. This left no time at all for individuals to assume and take into consideration the effects of the war. Branting is likely describing the truth that the war was so abrupt as well as unforeseen that people had no time to plan for it or to think about the effects of their activities. This quote likewise speaks to the power of propaganda as well as just how it can be used to adjust popular opinion and also form the course of background. The quote acts as a reminder of the relevance of making the effort to assume and think about the effects of our activities prior to we act.