"Under the ominous shadow which the second World War and its attendant circumstances have cast on the world, peace has become as essential to civilized existence as the air we breathe is to life itself"

This quote by Cordell Hull highlights the important function of peace in maintaining a civilized society, specifically in the context of the destructive international impact of World War II. Hull metaphorically describes the war and its accompanying situations as an "ominous shadow", recommending a pervasive darkness and danger hanging over the world. This images stimulates the sense of dread and seriousness felt throughout and after the war, stressing its extensive and prevalent results on humanity.

Hull asserts that peace has actually become necessary to civilized existence, equating it to the necessity of air for life. This example underscores the notion that peace is not just a preferred state however a fundamental requirement for the survival and flourishing of human societies. Just as air is a standard life-sustaining aspect, peace is represented as indispensable for societal stability, advancement, and cumulative well-being.

The context of this quote shows the stress and anxieties and aspirations of the post-war era. World War II brought extraordinary destruction, loss of life, and social turmoils, compelling a reevaluation of international relations and the pursuit of global peace. The war's consequences saw the facility of the United Nations and numerous international efforts to prevent future massive disputes, highlighting a cumulative recognition of the dire requirement for peace.

Hull's statement can also be interpreted as a call to action, prompting people, countries, and international bodies to prioritize peace-building and conflict resolution. The metaphor highlights that, like air, peace is a shared resource that requires mindful efforts to preserve and protect. It works as a pointer of the fragile balance needed to sustain civilized presence and the cumulative responsibility to make sure that peace dominates in the face of ongoing difficulties and hazards.