War, from this standpoint, will be regarded as a moral necessity, if it is waged to protect the highest and most valuable interests of a nation.  As human life is now constituted, it is political idealism which calls for war, while materialism—­in theory, at least—­repudiates it.

If we grasp the conception of the State from this higher aspect, we shall soon see that it cannot attain its great moral ends unless its political power increases.  The higher object at which it aims is closely correlated to the advancement of its material interests.  It is only the State which strives after an enlarged sphere of influence that creates the conditions under which mankind develops into the most splendid perfection.  The development of all the best human capabilities and qualities can only find scope on the great stage of action which power creates.  But when the State renounces all extension of power, and recoils from every war which is necessary for its expansion; when it is content to exist, and no longer wishes to grow; when “at peace on sluggard’s couch it lies,” then its citizens become stunted.  The efforts of each individual are cramped, and the broad aspect of things is lost.  This is sufficiently exemplified by the pitiable existence of all small States, and every great Power that mistrusts itself falls victim to the same curse.

All petty and personal interests force their way to the front during a long period of peace.  Selfishness and intrigue run riot, and luxury obliterates idealism.  Money acquires an excessive and unjustifiable power, and character does not obtain due respect: 

“Man is stunted by peaceful days,
In idle repose his courage decays. 
Law is the weakling’s game. 
Law makes the world the same. 
But in war man’s strength is seen,
War ennobles all that is mean;
Even the coward belies his name.” 

                              Schiller:  Braut v.  Messina.

“Wars are terrible, but necessary, for they save the State from social petrifaction and stagnation.  It is well that the transitoriness of the goods of this world is not only preached, but is learnt by experience.  War alone teaches this lesson.” [F]

[Footnote F:  Kuno Fischer, “Hegel,” i., p. 737.]

War, in opposition to peace, does more to arouse national life and to expand national power than any other means known to history.  It certainly brings much material and mental distress in its train, but at the same time it evokes the noblest activities of the human nature.  This is especially so under present-day conditions, when it can be regarded not merely as the affair of Sovereigns and Governments, but as the expression of the united will of a whole nation.