Page 34 - KCN 2020

PROSE (SR1,SR2&SR3) : THIRD PLACE
W A R

Lee Lik Chern, SR3SCC

“War is evil, or is it not?” This debate has been going on f or centuries and will proba-
bly go on for centuries to come. Violence has always been part of the history of mankind and
it is the most used solution. I believe that war is not evil and it has solved problems as seen time
and time again throughout the history of the world.

War is neutral in my opinion. It is a way to justify your ideals most of the time. Some people
wage war in hopes to save their country that lacks certain resources. This ‘good’ deed will save their
country at the cost of another. The opposing side may launch an attack to deal with the invading party.
Who is right and who is wrong? Only the victor can decide. Thus, war is just a way to obtain your ideals.

People think of war as ‘evil’ because of the consequences it brings about, especially for the
losing end. People see that war can turn beautiful grassy meadows into barren wastelands, happy fam-
ilies torn apart, lives lost both innocent or not, everything damaged. And yet they have forgotten it
is humans that have done this, not wars. Animals wage war for territory as well and yet the impact
isn’t that significant. Humans, filled with greed and hatred are whatbrings upon the disasters in war.
Calling war an ‘evil’ being is no different than shooting the man, then blaming the gun for murder.

Will war ever be the solution to problems? Yes, it will, conflict is something we can dodge
but sooner or later facing it is unavoidable. War comes at the cost of lives most of the time, peace
does not, hence people prefer to settle things peacefully. Peace is a very sound solution if it were
such a beautiful place, if there were enough resources in the world, no greed in the hearts of
humans and no difference in race and beliefs. Sadly, the real world is often harsh, humans are
filled to the brim with greed and some people are starved due to the unfairness of the world.

War can bring an end to those of greed, war reminds us that we are still human and even
enlighten some people as to the cruelty of the world. Without war there would not be acceptance
either. In a relationship, only through conflict can a couple understand each other better, their ideals
and their beliefs, and their worth. Without at least a little hostility, the couple will drift apart. War
may seem to separate people but at the same time it has a chance to bring us all closer together.

War is also the only solution at times. An example would be World War 2. The Germans and
the Japanese were invading Europe and Asia. If the Americans hadn’t joined the war and destroyed
the following parties, all would have been lost. Humans have the willpower that may be stronger
than steel. There would be no way to convince them even if your words were as sweet as the devil’s.

In short, war should not be encouraged as it is a gamble with a high price to pay, but it is not evil
and people have to understand that a country will only go to war because it was deemed ‘the right thing to do’.

31 32