Civilization is nothing more than the effort to reduce the use of force to the last resort

Civilization is nothing more than the effort to reduce the use of force to the last resort

Jose Ortega y Gasset, a Spanish philosopher and essayist, believed that civilization is essentially the effort to minimize the use of force and violence in human interactions. He argued that the progress of civilization is marked by the gradual reduction of the need for coercion and the development of more peaceful and cooperative ways of resolving conflicts.

Ortega y Gasset's idea that civilization is the effort to reduce the use of force to the last resort is rooted in his belief in the importance of reason, dialogue, and mutual understanding in human relationships. He believed that violence and coercion are signs of a lack of civilization, as they represent a failure to engage in meaningful communication and negotiation. In his view, true civilization is characterized by the ability to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, such as dialogue, compromise, and consensus-building.

Ortega y Gasset's emphasis on the importance of reducing the use of force in human interactions is particularly relevant in today's world, where conflicts and tensions are often resolved through violence and coercion. In many parts of the world, political leaders and governments resort to force and aggression to achieve their goals, leading to widespread suffering and destruction. Ortega y Gasset would argue that such actions are a sign of a lack of civilization, as they represent a failure to engage in meaningful dialogue and negotiation.

In order to truly advance civilization, Ortega y Gasset believed that individuals and societies must strive to reduce the use of force and violence in their interactions. This requires a commitment to reason, empathy, and understanding, as well as a willingness to engage in dialogue and compromise. By working towards these goals, we can create a more peaceful and harmonious world, where conflicts are resolved through peaceful means rather than through violence and coercion.