Essay on Peace Hath Her Victories No Less Renowned Than War
Peace Hath Her Victories No Less Renowned Than War:
The term ‘victory’ often carries connotations linked to warfare, evoking images of battles and triumphs achieved through sacrifice and bloodshed. Many view war as a spectacle of grandeur, picturing armies parading in splendid khaki attire, brandishing weapons amidst fluttering banners. The return of triumphant heroes from the frontlines sparks widespread jubilation, marked by the erection of ornate gates and arches, festive decorations, celebratory songs, and resounding cheers. The valorous tales of historical figures like Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Hitler add an intriguing dimension to the study of warfare.
However, the victories of war are marred by the grim reality of bloodshed. They come at a profound cost, often measured in human lives and widespread destruction. Modern warfare exacts staggering tolls on both life and property. For instance, the detonation of two atomic bombs in Japan resulted in the death or maiming of over five lakh individuals. In today’s context, war represents a brutal, inhumane enterprise—a stark manifestation of devastation and an unforgiving embrace of mortality.
The triumphs in times of peace differ significantly. Rather than contributing to mankind’s downfall, they aim for its advancement. These victories primarily manifest in the realms of art, literature, trade, commerce, science, and sociology. When observed objectively, they often shine brighter than the victories achieved through conflict.
Furthermore, the triumphs of war come at the expense of others. While we may celebrate battles like Plassey or Panipat, Waterloo or Trafalgar, we cannot overlook the immense suffering they inflicted on those involved. Conversely, the victories of peace endure to ensure the flourishing of the masses. Figures like Christ and Gandhi sacrificed their lives for the sake of our existence.
Moreover, the victories obtained through war are fleeting, while those achieved in peace are enduring. We may forget the names of those who destroyed, but we proudly remember the names of those who benefited and saved us. Hitler’s path scorched with violence and chaos, and today, Hitlerism symbolizes cruelty and lawlessness. Gandhi, advocating love and non-violence, remains a potent force guiding us towards global peace. We cherish the memory of Pasteur for discovering a cure for hydrophobia. Asoka’s revered not for his conquest at Kalinga, but for the principles of piety and non-violence he preached.
Peace victories hold an exclusive advantage that extends beyond individual nations, benefiting the entire globe. Nightingale’s nursing system, initially developed during peaceful times and refined during war, has proven invaluable universally, transcending boundaries of color and race. Innovations like electricity, radio, cinema, X-rays, penicillin, and radium have universally enhanced humanity’s well-being.
Furthermore, while war fosters warriors and warmongers, peace cultivates saints and advocates for harmony. War stirs our primal instincts, while peace channels our passions constructively. Periods of war breed unrest, disorder, and chaos, contrasting with the restful, orderly, and calm nature of peacetime. Art, literature, trade, and commerce flourish during peace but suffer destruction in times of conflict. It’s during peace that poets compose great works, artists create masterpieces, sculptors craft marvels, and philosophers expound theories. Education flourishes, and significant strides are made in culture and civilization during peacetime. In essence, peace and progress are intertwined, leading to abundance and advancements across all facets of life.
The scourge of war unfolds its malevolent grip, sowing seeds of sorrow, suffering, and devastation. It casts a grim shadow, ushering in poverty, disease, and famine. Fields that once bloomed with vitality are desolated, cherished art reduced to rubble, and the pulse of trade and commerce stagger under its weight. In its wake, the law of the jungle reigns supreme, truth succumbs first, and sacred texts fall victim to censorship. It’s a time when scientific minds are enlisted, politicians lose their moral compass, and clandestine forces surface while burdensome taxes burden the populace. Profiteers and black marketeers thrive unchecked as avarice supplants virtue, power supersedes justice, and honesty is derided in all facets of existence.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that humanity’s progress from barbarism to modernity is a testament to peacetime achievements alone. In times of peace, mankind ascends to greater heights, contemplating duties toward friends, nation, the broader canvas of humanity, and even a higher calling. Thus, from both a worldly and moral perspective, “peace boasts victories as illustrious as those of war.”
