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Lessons from History

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ccording to the law of nature, the power of peace is greater
Athan the power of war. The veracity of this principle has
been confirmed time and again throughout human history.
In particular, the experiences of the Second World War have
valuable lessons to offer us on this subject.
Japan and Germany participated in World War II (1939 –
1945) with parallel ambitions. Japan’s goal was to secure the
position of the number one country of Asia, while Germany’s
aim was to become the number one country in Europe. The
Second World War continued for six years, in the course
of which both Germany and Japan were forced to sacrifice
numerous lives and resources. Towards the end of the war, both
countries had suffered massive and widespread devastation.

At the end of the war, leaders arose in both these countries,
who in their wisdom, saved their people from becoming
victims of negative thinking. For example, when the Emperor
of Japan, Hirohito addressed his nation on the subject of the
Japanese defeat on August 15, 1945, he said in a broadcast on
Japan’s national radio:
‘It is according to the dictates of time and fate that we
have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all
the generations to come by enduring the unendurable
and suffering what is unsufferable.’ 1
This message sent out by Japan’s Emperor, aimed as it was
at building a progressive future for the country, indicated a
clear-cut line of action to the Japanese people. Thus Japan’s
post-war planning did not include preparations for revenge.
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