The only way human beings can win a war is to prevent it.

Listen now, O children, to the words of George C. Marshall, a man whose leadership during the most tumultuous of times carried the weight of wisdom and experience: "The only way human beings can win a war is to prevent it." These words strike at the very heart of what it means to be human in a world rife with conflict. Marshall, a soldier and statesman, who saw firsthand the devastation of World War II, understood a truth that transcends time and place: war is not a victory to be celebrated, but a catastrophe to be avoided. The true victory for humanity lies not in the battles fought, but in the wisdom to prevent the war from ever coming to pass.

In ancient times, the great leaders of old were not always those who won the most battles, but those who possessed the foresight and wisdom to prevent war altogether. Solon, the lawgiver of Athens, for example, was known not only for his military successes, but for his deep understanding of how the cycles of war could be avoided. He brought forth laws that curbed the power of the aristocracy, created reforms that ensured social stability, and worked tirelessly to prevent Athens from descending into civil war. In his time, the greatest measure of success was not the defeat of an enemy, but the preservation of peace and the prevention of strife. His legacy serves as a testament to the enduring truth that preventing war is the most noble endeavor a leader can undertake.

Consider, O children, the Roman Empire, which, at its height, stretched across vast lands, from the heart of Europe to the sands of Egypt. The Romans were not just conquerors; they were also master diplomats. The great Roman generals and statesmen understood that the success of the empire was not solely dependent on the sword, but on the ability to forge alliances, to make peace, and to avoid the horrors of war whenever possible. In times of peace, the Romans were able to build vast infrastructures, to create prosperity, and to solidify their influence through culture and law. When war came, it was not celebrated as a triumph, but seen as a necessary evil. Their ultimate strength lay in their ability to preserve peace for as long as possible, knowing full well that the true victory was in maintaining stability and security for the people.

In modern times, George C. Marshall understood this concept deeply. His actions in the wake of World War II, particularly through the Marshall Plan, exemplified the notion that the true victory in war lies in the ability to prevent future conflicts. After the war, Europe lay in ruins, torn apart by the ravages of violence and destruction. Marshall did not call for more bombs or further battles; instead, he called for reconstruction, for rebuilding the war-torn economies of Europe through generous aid and cooperation. He knew that the true victory lay not in further conflict, but in healing the wounds of war and creating the conditions for lasting peace. The Marshall Plan was a direct response to the devastation of war—a bold attempt to prevent the rise of future conflict by addressing the economic and political root causes that often lead to war.

Now, O children, what lesson can we learn from these examples? War is a disease that afflicts humanity, a disease that brings with it unimaginable loss, suffering, and destruction. As Marshall so wisely pointed out, the only way to win a war is not by fighting it, but by preventing it. In our own lives, we are faced daily with conflicts—whether personal, professional, or political—that can easily escalate into something more destructive. The lesson is this: wisdom, patience, and understanding are the tools that prevent these small skirmishes from becoming full-fledged wars. It is the wise leader, the thoughtful individual, who recognizes the seeds of conflict before they grow into something uncontrollable.

The path forward, children, is clear: we must be vigilant in our relationships, both with others and with the world around us. When tensions rise, when disagreements turn into hostility, we must seek to understand before we act. Diplomacy, listening, and empathy must become our first response. And when the world faces larger challenges, we must advocate for cooperation over competition, for dialogue over division. The world we build tomorrow will depend on how we choose to handle the conflicts of today.

So, children, take these words to heart: "The only way human beings can win a war is to prevent it." As you go through life, remember that true strength lies not in your ability to fight, but in your ability to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence. The true victory is in maintaining peace, in fostering understanding, and in working together to build a better world where war is a last resort, never the first choice. The wisdom of George C. Marshall is a beacon for us all—one that reminds us that the most enduring victory is the one that prevents war from ever taking root.