On War

Day 933, 04:09 • Published in Canada Switzerland • by HuCard

War in eRepublik is convenient. No blood is spilled, no physical effort is required, and there is no suffering beyond blows to ones' pride. Thus I realised the pointlessness of preaching pacifism.

However, though we do not get to see the flares spewing from the muzzles of our virtual weapons, the sparks emitted by these virtual wars do light up fires beyond the boundaries of the game: In our hearts.

And they are fires of hatred and folly. While there are people like me who see wars merely as a means to achieve political goals where diplomacy has failed, I noticed a large percentage of players who prior to and during conflicts vent their emotions in for example comments, ridiculing and insulting whoever the foe is, demanding against logic and reason to declare war when it would be extremely inconvenient, or quite simply calling for combat because "it's just a game".

I say, these minds are clouded by the veil of smoke rising from the flames fuelled by inappropriate pride and nationalism. But, I am not demanding that these flames be extinguished! Indeed, the heat of combat running through one's veins is pleasurable, and with passion burning in one's heart one can be carried to the highest of their capabilities.

Instead, let us cease to perceive our adversaries as enemies, and rather treat them like rivals. Let us learn to regard them as highly as ourselves, so that loss or victory no longer matter as either will make both sides stronger and ensure that the next battle will be even more magnificent.
Where is the joy in facing a foe to hatefully drill one's blade into his flesh? Is the experience of having his sword meet one's own for one to feel the other's force vibrating through the steel not much more worthy of our anticipation? Is it not greater to part ways with someone whose flag is the only reason to consider him not friend but foe looking forward to the next encounter than it is to repeatedly and mindlessly batter an anonymous target of one's dislike?

I say, let us not see the French as frogs, but as princes with whom we match our strength to prove ourselves worthy of the hand of the fair maiden that is victory!
I say, let us feel compassion for the Russians who have been despicably betrayed by the one they put their trust in, and give our best so that the adrenaline spilled in combat will help to wash away their feelings of disappointment!
I say, let us make war beautiful!