In all history there is no war which was not hatched by the governments, the governments alone, independent of the interests of the people, to whom war is always pernicious even when successful.

Summary

This quote, often attributed to French writer Émile Zola, suggests that governments are primarily responsible for the origins of wars. It implies that the interests of governments can supersede those of the people they govern. Even when wars are deemed successful, they ultimately prove harmful to the general population. The quote criticizes the tendency of governments to engage in wars without adequately considering the negative consequences for their own citizens. Overall, it highlights the destructive nature of war and the implications it has on society.

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