There's a saying: 'War is a long cliff.' You can avoid the cliff completely, you can walk along the top for as long as you have the nerve, you can even choose to leap off, and if you only fall a short way before you hit a ledge you can always scramble back up again. Unless you're just plain invaded, there are always choices, and even then, there's usually something you've missed - a choice you didn't make - that could have avoided invasion in the first place. You people still have your choices. There's nothing inevitable about it.
The quote from Iain M. Banks' "Use of Weapons" illustrates the complexities of conflict and the multitude of choices available in the face of war. The imagery of a long cliff suggests that while war seems daunting and inevitable, there are ways to navigate it. Individuals can avoid direct conflict entirely, maintain a precarious peace, or make decisions that, while risky, could lead to different outcomes. This perspective emphasizes the importance of agency and decision-making in determining one’s path.
Banks further suggests that even in situations of invasion, choices exist, though they may not always be apparent. This notion reinforces the idea that every conflict is preceded by a series of choices, where inaction can also lead to dire consequences. By recognizing the power of choice, individuals can better understand their agency and the potential to influence their circumstances. Thus, the quote serves as a reminder that war is not an unavoidable fate but rather a series of decisions that shape the course of events.
