Poul Anderson does not glorify war but does explain and describe it. In the past, and in many possible futures, there is one hell of a lot of killing. I have just read an account of a man's head being twisted around until his neck snaps. A dispassionate alien observer might wonder whether this species is attempting an elaborate self-genocide. However,
from the point of view of the race, it does not matter how many individuals are killed as long as certain areas are protected from combat and the people living in those areas are able to continue reproducing in the normal way. In fact, life can continue to be enjoyed and celebrated at the same time as it is being ended. However, I hope that we will put a stop to this soon.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Your comment about the "dispassionate alien observer" makes no sense unless that alien's species did not know and practice the institutionalized violence called war. And I have my doubts war can or will be ended anytime soon!
Sean
Sean,
You are right about the alien but we do imagine such things in sf even if only for satirical purposes.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Granted, I can imagine such speculations, if only as thought experiments or satires.
Sean
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