Great Books Ep 99. Aristophanes - The Peace. Ordinary Citizens Crave Harmony

Common people - who bear the costs of wars through lost lives, ruined farms, and broken families - ardently desire peace while leaders and war profiteers perpetuate conflicts for their own gain.

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Hermes: “I know not if ye e'er again Will see the face of Peace.”
Trygaeus: “Why, where's she gone to?”
He: “War has immured her in a deep deep pit.”
Tr: “Where?”
He: “Here, beneath our feet. And you may see The heavy stones he piled about its mouth, That none should take her out.”

~ ‘The Peace’ by Aristophanes (Benjamin B. …