The victories of peace are gained over the forces of nature, over ignorance and superstitions, over illiteracy and immorality, over disease and physical suffering, over poverty and governmental oppressions. The conquest of peace is non-violent and bloodless. It causes no grief to humanity and does not damage life or property. However, no matter how glorious a conquest by war may be, it is invariably gained by shedding streams of blood and causing untold havoc. Only the victories of peace leave no maimed limbs or mutilated bodies, no ruined cities or scorched fields.
Even a cursory glance at the course of the two world wars will convince us that their victories were gained at an incalculable cost. The triumph of the first world war were not long lasting. The victory itself sowed, in fact, the seeds of the second world war. Who knows that the victory of world war II may prove to be of an equally short duration and a third global war may even now be in the making. The victories of peace, however are everlasting. They do not rankle in the mind of any nation and their fruits are enjoyed by all people.
A victory in war paves the way for the exploitation of the conquered people. The occupation of Germany and Japan by the forces of the allied countries is an instance of such exploitation. If the axis powers had won the war, they would have exploited the allies in the same, if not worse, way. Thus in the first place, victory in war is gained at a heavy cost of life, and in the second place it has generally implied the annexation and enslavement of many territories and the exploitation of many more. The victories of peace, on the contrary, involve no butchery of human beings and are, besides, of value to the entire world.
Vocabulary
Gained—achieved
Incalculable—that can’t be calculated
annexation—connect or add
enslavement—make some one a slave
