The methods of peace propaganda which aim at establishing peace doctrine by argument and by creating a feeling favorable to peace in general seem to fall short of reaching the springs of human action and of dealing with the causes of the conduct which they seek to modify.
Interpretation
Peace propaganda often fails because it doesn't address the deep-rooted causes of conflict.
Elihu Root suggests that while peace propaganda aims to promote peace through argument and positive sentiment, it often fails to address the fundamental motivations behind human behavior. This indicates that merely advocating for peace without understanding or addressing the underlying issues that lead to conflict may not be effective in achieving true peace.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about the effectiveness of peace initiatives.
To deal with the true causes of war one must begin by recognizing as of prime relevancy to the solution of the problem the familiar fact that civilization is a partial, incomplete, and, to a great extent, superficial modification of barbarism.
It is not uncommon in modern times to see governments straining every nerve to keep the peace, and the people whom they represent, with patriotic enthusiasm and resentment over real or fancied wrongs, urging them forward to war.
We must see that peace represents a sweeter music, a cosmic melody, that is far superior to the discords of war.
We may think of peace as the absence of war, that if the great powers would reduce their weapons arsenals, we could have peace. But if we look deeply into the weapons, we will see our own minds - our own prejudices, fears, and ignorance.
Conflicts are multiplying - people are suffering. But we don't give up, because we know every man, woman, and child deserves a life of peace.
If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.
A world free of nuclear weapons will be safer and more prosperous.
Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
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