We are still waging Peloponnesian wars. Our control of the material world and our positive science have grown fantastically. But our very achievements turn against us, making politics more random and wars more bestial.

Summary

This quote suggests that despite the progress we have made in terms of material and scientific advancements, the human capacity for conflict and destructive behavior remains unchanged. The reference to the Peloponnesian wars implies that society still engages in similar conflicts, albeit in different forms. The quote also implies that our technological achievements have unintended consequences, making politics more unpredictable and leading wars to become even more brutal and savage. In essence, it argues that while we have excelled in certain areas, our propensity for conflict and the negative repercussions of our progress continue to pose challenges.

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