The quote highlights the idea that most individuals are not inherently adversarial, as conflicts often stem from specific negative emotions like greed, hatred, pride, or fear. These strong passions can provoke individuals to actions that lead to larger confrontations or wars, suggesting that human nature is generally not hostile without cause.

The author, Orson Scott Card, emphasizes the influence of intense emotions on human behavior, indicating that while many people strive for peace and understanding, a few can generate significant discord. This underscores the need for awareness of the motivations behind conflict and the importance of addressing the root causes of such emotions to prevent societal strife.