“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”

John Adams

I think it’s quite fortunate that at this time, in this part of the world, we can raise generations that do not need to prepare for war. The sacrifice of the brave who faced the reality of utter carnage, the likes of which the world still can’t wrap its head around, has given us the freedom to shape a future of our own design.

Yes, there is still war in this world and there may continue to be war for some time, but it’s not a desirable course of action when you consider the global response. Statistically, it’s actually one of our most, if not most, peaceful times.

The efforts we’ve been making to build a more peaceful world are working, and will continue to work, if we keep going. We just need to constantly remind ourselves of what has been and be thankful for those who believed a future like this could be possible. 

If we’ve never had to prepare for war, let us remember why.