“The more I puzzle over the great wars of history, the more I am inclined to the view that causes attributed to them – territory, markets, resources, the defence or perpetuation of great principles – were not the root causes at all but rather explanations or excuses for certain unfathomable drives of human nature. For lack of a clear and precise understanding of exactly what these motives are, I refer to them as the ‘arrogance of power‘ – as a psychological need that nations seem to have in order to prove that they are bigger, better, or stronger than other nations. Implicit in this drive is the assumption, even on the part of normally peaceful nations, that force is the ultimate proof of superiority – that when a nation shows that is has the stronger army, it is also proving that it has better people, better institutions, better principles, and, in general, a better civilisation.”

aus: J. William Fulbright: The Arrogance of Power. London: Cape 1967 (Am.Orig.-Ausg.1966), S.5.

Abb.: I Made Widya Diputra: Art of War, 2013, indoartnow, im Internet.

12/06