This quote suggests that wars, regardless of their reasons or outcomes, result in widespread unhappiness during their occurrence and fail to bring happiness even after they have ended. The first part of the quote, “Our modern wars make many unhappy while they last,” refers to the immediate and direct suffering caused by wars. This includes loss of life, destruction of property, displacement of people, and the overall fear and uncertainty that accompany wars.
The second part, “none happy when they are over,” implies that even when wars end, they don’t necessarily lead to happiness or satisfaction. This could be due to the lingering effects of war, such as trauma, grief, economic instability, and societal disruption. It could also refer to the fact that wars rarely result in clear, unequivocal victories. Instead, they often lead to new conflicts, resentments, and divisions.
In today’s world, this quote can be applied to the various conflicts around the globe. Despite the advancement in technology, diplomacy, and international relations, wars and conflicts still persist, causing widespread suffering. Even when these conflicts end, they often leave behind a trail of destruction and discontent, proving that victories in wars are often pyrrhic and do not bring about lasting happiness or peace.
In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as a caution against engaging in conflicts unnecessarily. Just like wars, personal conflicts or disputes can cause immediate distress and long-term damage, and rarely lead to true satisfaction or happiness. Instead, the quote could be interpreted as a call for understanding, patience, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. It encourages us to seek solutions that promote harmony and mutual benefit, rather than engaging in battles that no one truly wins.