Are we really 'People of Peace'?

For the record, I never said I liked the movie because it glorified war; I liked the movie, despite the fact that it glorified war. The conversation went on for a while and it ended with my colleague sighing and lamenting: " We never learn, do we? Humans are destined to wage war forever."

That very same night, in my capacity as journalist, I met Greek director Maria Hatzimichali-Papaliou, in town to premiere her anti-war documentary "People of Peace", part of the 2nd Annual Montreal Human Rights Festival, screening at Cinema du Parc on March 29, at 7:30 p.m.

"People of Peace" is based mainly on excerpts from ancient Greek writers and uses scenes from conflicts of the last century that demonstrate their devastating effects on the earth and humanity. The excerpts are read by leading personalities of our time, Nelson Mandela, renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, UN High Commissioner, Antonio Gutteres, and others. The result is a moving documentary that reminds viewers that, despite its prevalence, there are many who take a stand against the culture of war.

"Behind this film, is the simple idea that the human condition is not set in stone, that we can change the world and the reality that surrounds us," Ms. Hatzimichali-Papaliou explained.

Ancient Greeks worshipped Peace as a goddess in her own right and felt it was their moral duty to exercise self-criticism of their actions. Yet war was still very much a part of their lives. In fact, it's a constant throughout human history, which makes me wonder: Is it a biological predisposition. Is war a choice? Is it nurture or nature? I don't know.

Philosopher Immanuel Kant stated that "war seems to be ingrained in human nature" and "even regarded as something noble." There were 109.7 million war related deaths during the 20th century. What, I ask, is so noble about that?

What is it about human nature that predisposes us to war and destruction? And while many may speak of a male tendency towards violence and proclaim that war would be a thing of the past, if women ruled, forgive me for having my doubts.

While human nature undoubtedly plays a role in bringing about war, I can’t believe that it, in itself, can explain how prevalent war is as a solution or as an alternative for political discourse.

Sure… there's a part of us that cheers for the little guy beating up the bully, the underdog winning the race, the Spartans kicking butt at Thermopylae against the Persian Empire, but the end result is still the same: death and destruction. Whether a nation wins or loses a war, the pain is just as raw and throbbing, the destruction just as devastating. Just ask the United States and its current debacle in Iraq. So why are some so quick to pick it as the only viable option?

John Kenneth Galbraith one said: "War remains the decisive human failure" and despite the amazing things we humans have accomplished, I often feel we have failed miserably where it counts the most.