It would mean," he told the editor of the New York World, "that we would lose our heads along with the rest and stop weighing right and wrong. It would mean that a majority of people in this hemisphere would go war mad, quit thinking, and devote their energies to destruction . . . Conformity will be the only virtue. And every man who refuses to conform will have to pay the penalty . . . Once lead this people into war and they'll forget there ever was such a thing as tolerance . . . If there is any alternative for God's sake let's take it.
In the book "Mr. Wilson's War" by John Dos Passos, the author reflects on the dangers of war and its impact on society. He captures a perspective that emphasizes the loss of rational thinking and morality that can accompany a national conflict. The speaker argues that the thrill of war can overwhelm the populace, pushing them towards conformity and away from critical thought. This environment fosters intolerance, as those who dissent face severe consequences.
Dos Passos highlights the perilous trajectory of a society that succumbs to war fervor, suggesting that once people are caught up in the conflict, they abandon their principles. The call to explore alternatives to war becomes urgent, as the implications of such an escalation threaten the very foundation of tolerance and individuality. The profound message serves as a caution against allowing passion for war to overshadow reason and humanity.
