War: A by-product of the arts of peace.
Interpretation
War emerges as an unintended result of humanity's pursuit of peace.
Ambrose Bierce's quote suggests that the quest for peace can paradoxically lead to conflict and war. This statement provokes thought about the complexities of human society, where efforts to create order and harmony may inadvertently result in chaos and violence, highlighting the intricate relationship between peace and war.
In practice
In a discussion about international relations, one might reference this quote to illustrate the complexity of achieving lasting peace.
PALM, n. A species of tree . . . of which the familiar "itching palm" ("Palma hominis") is most widely distributed . . . . This noble vegetable exudes a kind of invisible gum, which may be detected by applying to the bark a piece of gold or silver.
Human nature is pretty well balanced; for every lacking virtue there is a rough substitute that will serve at a pinch--as cunning is the wisdom of the unwise, and ferocity the courage of the coward.
Indigestion: A disease which the patient and his friends frequently mistake for deep religious conviction and concern for the salvation of mankind. As the simple Red Man of the Western Wild put it, with, it must be confessed, a certain force: 'Plenty well, no pray; big belly ache, heap God.'
Disobey n:To celebrate with an appropriate ceremony the maturity of a command
NOUMENON, n. That which exists, as distinguished from that which merely seems to exist, the latter being a phenomenon. The noumenon is a bit difficult to locate; it can be apprehended only by a process of reasoning - which is a phenomenon.
PARDON, v. To remit a penalty and restore to the life of crime. To add to the lure of crime the temptation of ingratitude.
Keeping plenty of gold and jade in the palace makes no one able to defend it.
Romance and novel paint beauty in colors more charming than nature, and describe a happiness that humans never taste. How deceptive and destructive are those pictures of consummate bliss!
All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end. The cause of some going to war, and of others avoiding it, is the same desire in both, attended with different views. The will never takes the least step but to this object. This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.
A man who goes forth to take the life of another whom he does not know must believe only one thing: that by his act he will change the course of history.
It was astonishing to see how angry Cersei could wax over accusations she knew perfectly well to be true.
There are places in my heart...where no living soul...has...or can ever...trespass.
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