War is not the answer!

Then, why can't we find another answer?

War is defined as an active conflict that has claimed more than 1,000 lives. Has the world ever been at peace? Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history. Jul 6, 2003 nytimes

Why?

There are many reason for war. Economic disparity, revenge, and religion are on the list.

And, like everything else, there are lists available on the internet. Owlcation.com, a social sciences website, lists eight main reasons for war.

1. Economic Gain
2. Territorial Gain
3. Religion
4. Nationalism
5. Revenge
6. Civil War
7. Revolutionary War
8. Defensive War

What is the answer? Is it peace? It depends on what we mean by peace.

Nelsonmadella.org defines it this way:

Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.

Look at that list. With the exception of the last reason, we are in a constant state of war because of selfishness and greed. We are blind. 

We are unwilling to work through our differences. We can't see our way through, because we can't stop, look and listen. Politicians (nationalists) are taking advantage of our weaknesses and dividing us for the purpose of their own selfish gains, for personal power.

Maybe John Lennon had it right. "Imagine."