Nevertheless, China was unfortunately unable to understand

"Nevertheless, China was unfortunately unable to understand Japan's real position, and it is greatly to be regretted that the Sino-Japanese War became one of long duration." These words, spoken by Hideki Tojo, reveal the tragic misunderstanding and the misalignment of perspectives that often lead to prolonged conflicts. Tojo, a key figure in Japan’s military and political strategy, reflects on a war that could have been resolved swiftly if only the two nations had seen eye to eye. The Sino-Japanese War, a brutal conflict, dragged on for years, causing untold suffering to both sides. Tojo's words highlight the importance of understanding not just the surface of a conflict, but the deeper forces driving the actions of nations.

O children of the future, let us consider this ancient truth: war is rarely the result of a single misunderstanding. It is the culmination of multiple, interconnected failures—the failure of communication, the failure of compassion, and the failure of wisdom. When China failed to understand Japan's position, it did not simply miss a strategic calculation—it missed an opportunity to see the world from the other side. It is easy to view an enemy's actions through the lens of our own fears, but true wisdom comes from seeking understanding beyond our immediate context. When nations refuse to see beyond their own borders, to grasp the full complexity of their adversaries' motives, war becomes the inevitable consequence.

Let us turn our gaze to the ancient Greeks. In the Peloponnesian War, the conflict between Athens and Sparta was not merely about territory or resources—it was a battle between two vastly different philosophies. Athens believed in the power of democracy and commerce, while Sparta was a military state built on discipline and honor. Despite numerous opportunities to come to terms with each other, both sides failed to understand the deeper motivations of the other. This led to a long, drawn-out war that ultimately weakened both, leaving Greece vulnerable to outside invaders. The lesson here is clear: failure to understand one’s adversary leads to prolonged suffering, not just for the enemy, but for oneself as well.

Consider also the World War I, where the miscalculations and misunderstandings between great powers led to a catastrophic war that ravaged Europe. Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia misunderstood one another’s positions and intentions, leading to alliances and conflicts that spiraled out of control. The initial assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand became a spark, but it was the failure of diplomacy, of truly understanding each other’s fears and goals, that turned the conflict into one of such destruction. By the time the war ended, millions had died, and the political landscape of Europe had been forever altered. The war was an opportunity lost, an enduring reminder of the importance of seeing beyond immediate threats and seeking understanding before escalating to violence.

In the case of Japan and China, the Sino-Japanese War began over competing interests in Manchuria and Korea, but it became a tragedy not because of territorial ambitions alone, but because of misunderstandings rooted in national pride, cultural differences, and competing visions of power. China viewed Japan’s actions as a direct threat, while Japan saw its expansion as a necessary step to secure its own future. The inability of both nations to truly understand each other’s position—particularly Japan’s growing need for resources and recognition as a global power—led to a conflict that lasted far too long. The war dragged on, becoming more brutal and devastating with each passing year, and in the end, neither side truly gained from the bloodshed.

Thus, O children, let the words of Tojo serve as a stark warning: misunderstanding between nations—whether caused by pride, fear, or ignorance—can lead to prolonged conflict, to the suffering of countless innocents, and to the unraveling of civilizations. Wisdom lies not in seeing only what we wish to see, but in trying to understand the full picture, in grasping the deeper motivations of our adversaries. Whether in personal relationships, in politics, or in matters of global importance, let us strive to always seek clarity before reacting, to understand the position of the other before making our own move.

The lesson, O children, is clear: seek not to simply assert your own perspective, but to understand the positions and needs of those around you. In every conflict, whether large or small, pause before you strike. Let your actions be guided by reason, compassion, and a desire to understand, rather than by fear, anger, or pride. In this way, you will avoid the pitfalls that lead to war, and instead, create the foundation for peace and understanding. For, as history has shown, wars of misunderstanding are the costliest of all. Seek not to defeat your adversary, but to find common ground, to bring about resolution through wisdom and dialogue. Only then will you ensure that the mistakes of the past do not haunt future generations.