Book Description

Written in response to the devastation of World War I, Why Men Fight lays out Bertrand Russell’s ideas on war, pacifism, reason, impulse, and personal liberty. Russell argues that when individuals live passionately, they will have no desire for war or killing. Conversely, excessive restraint or reason causes us to live unnaturally and with hostility toward those who are unlike ourselves. In this book Russell talks about the reasons for wars. He talks about institutions that shape the life of an individual such as schools, state, marriage, churches, etc. and how they contribute to wars. And he concludes how to change the state of affairs so that wars can be prevented. This book is a must read for all with an intent to make this world peaceful and a better place.