(ML) What Makes The World Dangerous?

When is conflict justifiable? It is one of the most controversial kinds of questions because it brings into question a person's right, for lack of a better word, to involve themselves in another person's life.

I think, as a rule of life, conflict can never be eliminated. As long as there remains more than one thinking being on this planet, each is entitled to his own thoughts and opinions. And, chances are, these opinions will not always, if at all, coincide.

The sheer existence of sentient beings is enough of a constant to create conflict. Now, whether this conflict is physical or otherwise is another matter.

It's difficult to qualify when conflict would be justifiable, because, at any point, one point of view could differ from another's and thus see the conflict as unjust.

But, for the short-term purpose of answering this question, I suppose conflict is justifiable when an issue really NEEDS to be resolved, and an agreement cannot be arrived upon by ANY other means.

That requirement alone would change on a case to case basis, since every person's interpretation differs.

I suppose then, we could add on the factor of the conflict, resulting in a situation that would benefit the majority, if not all, of those involved. If this factor would be considered as a reason for the conflict, I suppose then, that the conflict could be classified as justifiable. Of course, this also assumes that what would be good for the majority, would also benefit the individuals.

But if conflict is dependent on the perception of all the different people, then how could any leader hope to put an end to global conflict?

I'm afraid this question is an unanswerable one. Unfortunately, I think it might be impossible to completely eradicate conflict, just as it is impossible with poverty.

I think the best that world leaders could do would be to promote understanding between different groups and individuals. It will be damn near impossible, but I think that this alongside tolerance, if not acceptance, would be the best key to minimizing conflict.

If everyone in the world could just be made to understand that there will always be differences between people, and that each should respect another's beliefs and manners (so long as it doesn't impose on anyone else's right to decide for himself)... And that one individual's way may not necessarily be the way for everyone else, because it is not necessarily absolutely correct, then perhaps there is a chance that people would not be led into conflicts with their fellow man.

That if every person would understand COMPLETELY the concept of free will, and the right his own opinion, and the right to choose, without double standards, people might be able to live alongside one another without unnecessary conflict.

I think guiding people and helping them to understand this would be one of the best things that world leaders could do to minimize global conflict. Of course, aside from education, this also includes leading by example. (Which should be enough of a challenge for any one person -- "Practice what you preach.")