The line of least resistance in the progress of civilization is to make that theoretical postulate real by the continually increasing force of the world's public opinion. Elihu Root civilizationcontinuallyforce Change image and share on social
To deal with the true causes of war one must begin by recognizing as of prime relevancy to the solution of the problem the familiar fact that civilization is a partial, incomplete, and, to a great extent, superficial modification of barbarism. Elihu Root barbarismbegincivilization share on social
In the first place, when there is a policy of intentional aggression, inspired by a desire to get possession of the territory or the trade of another country, right or wrong, a pretext is always sought. Elihu Root aggressioncountrydesire share on social
Cruelty to men and to the lower animals as well, which would have passed unnoticed a century ago, now shocks the sensibilities and is regarded as wicked and degrading. Elihu Root agoanimalcentury Change image and share on social
Human life is held in much higher esteem, and the taking of it, whether in private quarrel or by judicial procedure, is looked upon much more seriously than it was formerly. Elihu Root esteemhighhold Change image and share on social
The methods of peace propaganda which aim at establishing peace doctrine by argument and by creating a feeling favorable to peace in general seem to fall short of reaching the springs of human action and of dealing with the causes of the conduct which they seek to modify. Elihu Root actionaimargument share on social
The limitation upon this mode of promoting peace lies in the fact that it consists in an appeal to the civilized side of man, while war is the product of forces proceeding from man's original savage nature. Elihu Root appealcivilizeconsist share on social
Claims of right and insistence upon obligations may depend upon treaty stipulations, or upon the rules of international law, or upon the sense of natural justice applied to the circumstances of a particular case, or upon disputed facts. Elihu Root applycasecircumstance share on social
Prejudice and passion and suspicion are more dangerous than the incitement of self-interest or the most stubborn adherence to real differences of opinion regarding rights. Elihu Root adherencedangerousdifference Change image and share on social
