More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginning of all

Listen well, O children, to the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt, a leader whose vision reached across the globe during the tumultuous years of the Second World War. He said: "More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginning of all wars - yes, an end to this brutal, inhuman and thoroughly impractical method of settling the differences between governments." These words carry a profound truth, for Roosevelt calls not just for an end to conflict, but for the complete abolition of the system that leads nations into the darkness of war. His vision was not merely the cessation of hostilities, but the creation of a world where violence is no longer the tool by which disputes are settled, where the power of nations is not measured by their ability to destroy, but by their ability to understand, negotiate, and build a just and peaceful world.

In the days of the ancient world, war was often seen as a necessary evil—a way for rulers and empires to expand their influence, to prove their might, or to settle disputes. The mighty Romans waged wars to increase their empire, and their military strategies became the model for future generations. But as history progressed, wise thinkers began to question this unrelenting cycle of destruction. Plato himself warned that war, though it might bring temporary power, ultimately brought destruction and sorrow to all involved. Roosevelt echoed these ancient concerns, understanding that war was not merely a political tool—it was a deep moral failing, a betrayal of the higher purposes of humanity. He called for a world where such conflicts were no longer necessary, where the machinery of destruction would not be the first recourse, but the last.

Reflect, O children, on the lessons of World War I, which was supposed to be the "war to end all wars." It was a devastating conflict that swept across Europe, leaving millions dead and entire landscapes ravaged. Yet, despite its monumental loss of life, it did not end war; it merely sowed the seeds for a far more destructive World War II. In the wake of these horrors, Roosevelt's vision became clearer: the problem was not just that wars were fought, but that the very system by which disputes between nations were resolved—through violence and force—needed to be dismantled. The ancient lessons, echoing through centuries, taught us that conflict between nations must not be viewed as a solution, but as a grave failure of diplomacy, a moral failure of governments that should be seeking peace, not war.

Consider the League of Nations, an organization established after World War I to ensure that nations would find peaceful solutions to their differences. Though it had noble intentions, it failed miserably, as countries continued to use war as a means of solving disputes. Then came the formation of the United Nations, inspired by Roosevelt’s vision for a peaceful world—a place where dialogue, understanding, and cooperation could replace war. But still, wars continue to be fought, often by nations that could have resolved their issues with diplomacy, yet choose instead the path of destruction. Roosevelt’s words remain more relevant than ever: the end of war is not enough; we must end the beginning of war, the very idea that it is an acceptable solution to conflict.

Now, children, think about our own world. While war may no longer be fought with swords and swordsmen, it is still waged through military might, economic sanctions, and the power of nuclear weapons. Nations continue to use force to settle their differences, often with devastating consequences. Roosevelt’s call to end the beginning of war challenges us to examine how we resolve our own disputes. When we are faced with conflict, whether in our personal lives or on a global scale, how often do we turn to violence or hostility first? What would happen if we chose instead to seek peaceful solutions, to use our words and our minds to settle differences rather than our fists or our weapons?

The lesson Roosevelt imparts is one that we must take to heart in our own times: war, in all its forms, is a failure of human ingenuity. It is a failure of our ability to communicate, to empathize, and to understand one another. True strength lies not in the ability to destroy, but in the ability to build—to build bridges of communication, to build understanding, and to find common ground. Our challenge, as individuals and as nations, is to ensure that the beginning of war is never again seen as a solution to problems, but as the last resort of a society that has failed to live up to its highest ideals.

Children, in your lives, may you choose the path of peace, of diplomacy, of understanding. When you face challenges or disagreements, choose to engage in dialogue, to listen to the other side, and to seek solutions that bring about mutual respect and cooperation. It is easy to fall into the temptation of anger and violence when faced with conflict, but true wisdom lies in the courage to seek peace, to speak with others, and to resolve our differences without destroying the things we hold dear. Let Roosevelt’s vision guide you as you build a future where the beginning of war is no longer an option, where peace becomes not just an absence of conflict, but the active pursuit of justice, understanding, and compassion for all.