Her country had never been aggressive, had never espoused violence, had never taken sides in the squabbles of others. She wondered how people could sleep if they knew that somebody, in their name, was dropping bombs on other people or breaking into their homes and taking them away somewhere. Why did they do it? Why was it necessary to kill and maim other people when the other people would be just the same as yourself--people who wanted to live with their families and go to work in the morning and have enough to eat a the end of the day? That was not much to ask of the world, even if for many the world could not grant even that small request.
by Alexander McCall Smith
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The protagonist reflects on her country's peaceful stance, emphasizing that it has never engaged in violence or taken sides in conflicts. She expresses her confusion about how people can remain at ease, knowing their government may be involved in acts of aggression against others. This contemplation leads her to question the necessity of inflicting harm and suffering on individuals who merely seek the same basic desires of life, such as family, work, and sustenance.

She wonders about the moral implications of such actions, highlighting a universal longing for a decent life that many people share, despite the world often failing to provide even these fundamental needs. This inner struggle illuminates her discontent with the broader human condition, and she challenges readers to consider the ethical ramifications of violence in the name of national interests.

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