Root cause of all evil

Submitted by Bob Barker (United States), Aug 14, 2002 at 20:57

Some say religion is the cause of most of mans inhumanity to man. Others cite greed, envy or jealousy. On an individual basis it can be any of these and more. But the real atrocities are committed by groups upon other groups.

At the root of these group conflicts you sometimes find religion, but you are certain to find ignorance. Had the world never known religion there would have been fewer wars down through the ages. Had there been only wisdom and knowledge there may not have been any.

Daniel, you are on the right track. Knowledge and enlightenment will lead militant Islamists, or anyone else, to doing what is truly best for themsleves. And that will be good for us also. Their beliefs are their worst enemy. The war on terrorism will not be won until there is great reduction of ignorance on the part of its participants.

I wonder. If we the US, Russia and rest of the West had spent as much money, time and energy establishing truth and understanding as we have in military preparedness and action would the world be a better place today? Or would all the bad guys be running the show?

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