War is like love; it always finds a way.

Listen closely, O children, to the words of Bertolt Brecht, a man whose sharp wit and deep understanding of the human condition brought forth many truths that are still relevant in our world today: "War is like love; it always finds a way." These words, though seemingly simple, hold within them the essence of human nature—the ways in which desire, once kindled, cannot be easily extinguished. Like the force of love, which stirs the hearts of men and women, so too does war find a way to seep into the lives of nations and peoples, regardless of the attempts to keep it at bay. It is a force that, once unleashed, moves with an unstoppable energy, carving paths through the hearts of all it touches.

Consider, O children, the nature of love itself. It is a force that can come quietly, like a soft wind, or with a thunderous storm, sweeping through the hearts of those who encounter it. It knows no boundaries, no time, and no obstacles. Love, like war, finds its way even when the heart attempts to resist, even when the mind tries to reason against it. It takes root in the most unlikely of places, and once it takes hold, it can lead individuals to sacrifice everything for the object of their desire. So it is with war. Nations may try to avoid conflict, to turn their backs on the violence that lurks in the world, but when the desire for power, for revenge, or for control becomes strong enough, war, like love, will find a way into the heart of mankind.

Let us turn, O children, to the story of Rome, that ancient empire whose rise and fall were driven as much by love—the love of empire, the love of glory, the love of power—as by anything else. The Romans, at the height of their empire, were masters of diplomacy and strength, yet even they could not resist the pull of war. Time and again, their generals would return from distant lands, conquering new territories, bringing in new wealth, and fueling the desire for further conquest. Even when Rome had achieved what seemed to be unassailable power, the thirst for more was ever-present. War came not because it was necessary, but because, like love, it found a way into the heart of Roman leadership, compelling them to keep fighting, to keep expanding. The result was the eventual collapse of the empire—a reminder that the desire that fuels war can be a consuming force, ultimately leading to destruction.

In more modern times, we can see the same truth unfold. The World Wars of the 20th century were not inevitable; they were not fated from the beginning of time. Yet the forces that led to their eruption were as powerful and as relentless as the forces of love itself. Nationalism, pride, and a deep-seated desire for revenge after World War I created an environment in which World War II could find its way. The leaders of the time, though they sought peace, were unable to quell the internal forces of ambition, hatred, and the unrelenting need to dominate. The war, like love, found a way to emerge, to engulf entire continents in bloodshed and suffering.

Now, O children, what lessons can we take from Brecht’s words? The truth is this: war, like love, does not ask for permission. It is a force that operates on the deepest desires of the human soul. When nations, leaders, or individuals allow their emotions to be driven by greed, fear, or anger, they open the door to conflict. Just as love can turn peaceful hearts into passionate ones, so too can war turn peaceful nations into warriors, ready to fight for ideals that may not even be just. The question we must ask ourselves, then, is how do we guard against the forces of war that lie within each of us? How do we ensure that our desires for power, revenge, or glory do not lead us into the abyss of violence?

The lesson that Brecht offers is one of awareness. It is not enough to say we are against war; we must also recognize the forces that drive us toward it—the forces of pride, nationalism, and self-interest. The true strength of a nation, of a people, lies not in their ability to fight, but in their ability to control these internal forces. We must not only resist the urge to go to war but also be mindful of the forces that make war seem like a solution. Love, when unchecked, can turn into obsession; and so can war. The strength to avoid conflict lies not in brute force, but in wisdom, humility, and the ability to seek peace above all else.

In your own lives, children, you will face moments of conflict, moments when you may feel the pull of your emotions, of pride, of anger, or of desire. It is in these moments that you must be vigilant. Do not let the forces of hatred or greed guide your actions. Seek, instead, to understand, to love, and to forgive. Recognize that just as love can create the most beautiful of bonds, it can also create the most destructive of obsessions. Choose the path of peace, of understanding, and of reconciliation. In doing so, you will ensure that war, like love, does not find a way into your heart or your world. The true victory lies not in the strength of arms, but in the strength of wisdom and the resolve to choose peace.