James Boswell On War Analysis

War. Every generation has to deal with it at one point, some more affected by it than others. War takes many lives, so many in fact that people do not realize all of the lives lost. There is no moral justification for war. It is ungodly to kill another human being. Fighting is inhumane in general, is like taking the easy way out, and is followed by no good whatsoever. Generally, war results from arguments between nations over things like land, power, money, or religion. War over religion contradicts religion itself. In the passage titled “On War”, James Boswell states, “That amiable religion which “proclaims peace on earth,” hath not as yet made war to cease.” If religion proclaims peace on earth, then war goes against those morals. When two nations go to war, they are often taking the easy way out of an argument or disagreement. Instead of advocating a fair solution, countries fight for what they believe is theirs. Countries are even willing to kill off their own species, who oppose their beliefs and opinions.

According to Boswell “Some writers believe that war is necessary to take off the superfluity of the human species, or at least rid the world of numbers of idle and profligate men who are a burden upon every community.” However, these writers are missing one important aspect on the issue. Not only men, but also innocent women and children have been killed in war. While these writers’ opinions may be correct, it still does not justify all the deaths of victims of war. Boswell also states, “As more beautiful material forms sometimes arise from the ashes of others.” In order to get something beneficial out of war, something else must be given; and in this case, what has been given is human