Why Does War Never End?

What is the real root of war? Is it religion—a fundamental difference in ways of thinking?
While many developed countries now embrace diversity, with companies often leading the way, in societies where patriarchy still dominates, religion tends to form the backbone of people’s lives.

It’s natural that many find strength in something to believe in. But when people force their own beliefs and values onto others, conflict arises.
If you look at the history of Europe and the Middle East, for example, it’s not hard to imagine that those regions could have achieved even greater progress if not for the wars driven by such differences.

Why don’t we learn from history?

Even as culture and civilization advance, we humans still find reasons to fight—sometimes to the point that it sets back scientific or social progress.
Is that truly necessary?

There’s a saying I like: “The pen is mightier than the sword.”

But even here, the idea of “might” suggests the potential for forcing views on others, even with words.
I sometimes wonder if I, too, might be pushing my ideas on others when I write or share information.
Yet, I don’t wield the pen to threaten or hurt.
I believe that writing is for understanding, not just persuasion.

The dominance of right-handedness may have once been a result of advantages in hunting.
And the technological advances from warfare have ironically improved our daily lives.
Politicians often justify war based on ideology or political interests.

Maybe, deep down, we humans can never truly separate ourselves from conflict.
Still, if you envy someone else’s “greener pasture,” why not work harder yourself?
If someone’s ideas don’t fit yours, or they keep pushing their views, keep some distance.
Even in East Asia—Japan and Korea, Japan and China—political disputes and old wounds linger, sometimes over incidents we never experienced ourselves. Yet, business and practical cooperation continue.

Why this contradiction?

At Linglobe, I rarely focus on war or conflict when sharing the histories of peoples.
Why? Because war isn’t the only thing that defines a culture or a people.
Sure, people have migrated and adapted for many reasons, sometimes to escape conflict, but also to seek opportunity, to share music, games, and traditions that help communities thrive.

If we put aside the “wars for money,” it’s clear that companies—and nations—benefit far more from coexistence and mutual growth.
Ideally, governments should lead by example, just as good companies do.
I wish leaders driven by dogma or rigid beliefs would also listen to those with practical experience in building communities and organizations.

Maybe then, the world would see fewer conflicts.

If every country made “coexistence, co-prosperity, and diversity” a shared slogan, maybe we could build a more peaceful world.

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