The belief in the possibility of a short decisive war appears to

Hear now, O children, the wisdom of Robert Wilson Lynd, a thinker who spoke of the human desire for a quick victory in war, warning us of the perilous illusion it creates: "The belief in the possibility of a short decisive war appears to be one of the most ancient and dangerous of human illusions." These words echo through the corridors of history, calling us to recognize a truth as old as warfare itself: the belief that a short, decisive war can bring about lasting peace is not just naive, but a dangerous illusion that has often led nations to ruin. Lynd’s words remind us that while war may promise swift outcomes, the consequences of conflict are far-reaching and often unpredictable.

In the ancient world, O children, this illusion was present in the hearts of great kings and rulers. Consider the story of King Croesus of Lydia, who, believing in his military superiority, launched an invasion against Cyrus the Great of Persia, thinking that a quick victory would solidify his empire. Croesus believed that Cyrus, though a formidable leader, could be defeated in one swift battle, ending the war in his favor. Yet, as history shows, this illusion of a quick victory led to disaster. Croesus was decisively defeated at the Battle of Thymbra in 547 BC, and the Lydian Empire fell, absorbed into the expanding Persian Empire. Croesus’ failure arose from his belief that the war would be swift, that victory was assured with a single, decisive stroke. Instead, the war dragged on and brought ruin to his kingdom. The lesson here, children, is clear: those who believe in the simplicity of war—who think it can be quickly won—often find themselves caught in a longer, bloodier conflict than they ever anticipated.

In more modern times, the illusion of a quick victory was evident in World War I, a conflict that was supposed to be short and decisive. At the start of the war, both the Allied and Central Powers believed they would achieve swift victories. The German Schlieffen Plan, for example, called for a quick strike through Belgium into France, with the expectation that a decisive victory would force the French to surrender. But this strategy, built on the belief of a rapid victory, led to the horrors of trench warfare, where both sides became locked in a deadlock, with millions of soldiers dying over the course of four long years. The war that was supposed to be short and decisive became a grinding conflict, causing immense suffering and reshaping the world forever. Lynd’s warning is embodied in this tragic outcome: the belief that war could be won quickly led to devastating consequences, both for the soldiers who fought and for the civilian populations caught in the crossfire.

The idea of a short, decisive war can be found again in World War II. The initial success of Nazi Germany in Poland, France, and other parts of Europe seemed to support the illusion that a quick, decisive blow could result in an immediate conquest. But as the war stretched into Russia, and as the United States and Britain entered the conflict, it became clear that the war was far more complex and difficult than anyone had predicted. The resources, the lives, and the years spent in this global conflict proved that the idea of a swift victory was not only an illusion but a miscalculation that led to greater loss. The eventual defeat of Germany and Japan did not come through a single, decisive battle, but through years of grueling warfare, countless battles, and a global alliance of forces. Lynd’s warning again rings true: no matter how swift the initial victories seem, war’s true nature is not one of quick, easy resolution.

Children, consider now the nature of this illusion in your own lives. Wars are not only fought on battlefields with swords and guns, but in the battles of daily life—within ourselves, within our families, within our communities. It is easy to believe that the challenges you face in life, whether they be personal struggles, conflicts with others, or societal issues, can be solved quickly with a single action or decision. But life, like war, is rarely simple. The path to resolution is often long, filled with twists and turns, and requiring patience and perseverance. Just as a nation’s victory in war is not won in a single stroke, so too are the challenges you face overcome not by quick fixes, but by endurance and wisdom over time.

So, children, the lesson is clear: do not fall prey to the illusion of quick and decisive victories, whether in war or in life. The true path to success is one of steady, thoughtful action, of building strength and resilience over time. The world may promise you swift solutions, easy answers, and fast results, but the greatest achievements often come from consistent effort, from adapting to challenges as they arise, and from remaining focused even when the path seems long. Just as those who believed in a quick end to war found themselves mired in prolonged suffering, so too will those who seek instant gratification find their challenges only grow more complex.

Therefore, let these words of Robert Wilson Lynd guide you: understand that while the desire for a quick solution is natural, true victory comes through steady effort, through the wisdom to recognize that great challenges are never easily solved. Be patient in your struggles, be mindful of the path you choose, and remember that endurance—not haste—will always be your greatest ally. And as you move forward, know this: the greatest victories are those that are earned through perseverance, those that stand the test of time and reflect the true strength of the human spirit.