The Futility of Violence as a Means to an End: Lessons from History and Everyday Life

Throughout history and in our daily lives, we often witness instances where individuals or groups resort to violence in pursuit of their goals. Whether it's a nation seeking freedom through armed struggle or individuals using force to get their way, the consequences of such actions often reveal the futility of violence as a means to achieve one's objectives. In this article, we will explore examples from history, geopolitics, and personal experiences to highlight the drawbacks of using violence to achieve one's goals and emphasize the importance of peaceful and diplomatic solutions.

Historical Examples: The Cost of Armed Struggle

1. Post-Colonial Struggles:

Numerous countries have fought long and brutal wars to gain independence from colonial powers. While armed struggle might have achieved short-term objectives, it often led to protracted conflicts and instability. Take, for instance, the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, the nation plunged into years of violence and civil strife. The initial euphoria of liberation was overshadowed by power struggles, corruption, and ongoing conflict. The same can be observed in countries like Afghanistan, where decades of armed struggle have yet to result in lasting stability and democracy.

2. The Arab Spring:

The Arab Spring revolutions of the early 2010s brought hope for democratic change across the Middle East. However, in several cases, these uprisings turned violent, leading to protracted conflicts and the rise of extremist groups. For example, Syria's initially peaceful protests descended into a catastrophic civil war, displacing millions of people and causing immense suffering.

Personal Experiences: The Fallout of Using Force

1. Schoolyard Fights:

Think back to your school days when disputes with friends sometimes escalated into physical altercations. Rarely did these fights lead to desired outcomes. Instead, they often strained friendships, created bitterness, and left lasting emotional scars. The lesson here is clear: resorting to violence seldom achieves one's goals and frequently damages relationships.

2. Vendor Conflicts:

In everyday life, conflicts with vendors or service providers can be frustrating. While expressing displeasure is natural, resorting to aggression or threats rarely yields satisfactory results. In fact, such actions can sour the relationship further, leading to subpar service or the vendor refusing to work with you altogether.

The Alternative: Peaceful Solutions

The examples above underscore the importance of seeking non-violent means to achieve our objectives. Violence often perpetuates a cycle of conflict, instability, and suffering, with little to no progress towards the desired outcome. Instead, consider the following alternatives:

1. Dialogue and Diplomacy:

In international relations, peaceful negotiations and diplomacy have resolved conflicts that seemed insurmountable. The Northern Ireland peace process and the Iran nuclear deal are notable examples. Similarly, in personal disputes or conflicts with service providers, open and respectful communication can lead to mutually beneficial solutions.

2. Building Bridges:

Rather than burning bridges through violence, we should strive to build connections and understand differing perspectives. In conflicts at any level, empathy and compromise can lead to better outcomes than aggression and force.

3. Long-Term Vision:

Real change often requires patience and persistence. In the quest for freedom or justice, it's essential to keep the long-term vision in mind and work towards it through non-violent means. Sustainable change takes time and commitment.