Meaning: The quote "War is not the continuation of politics with different means, it is the greatest mass-crime perpetrated on the community of man" is a powerful statement by Alfred Adler, a renowned psychologist and founder of the school of individual psychology. This quote encapsulates Adler's perspective on the destructive nature of war and its impact on humanity.

Adler's statement challenges the commonly held view that war is simply an extension of political conflict. By asserting that war is not the continuation of politics with different means, he emphasizes the distinct and devastating consequences of warfare. Rather than viewing war as a legitimate or necessary tool of politics, Adler characterizes it as a mass-crime committed against humanity. This framing underscores the enormity of the suffering and destruction that war inflicts on individuals and communities.

Alfred Adler was deeply concerned with human behavior and the social dynamics that shape individuals' experiences. As a psychologist, he was particularly interested in understanding the motivations and influences that drive human actions. In the context of war, Adler's quote reflects his belief that the pursuit of political objectives through violent conflict represents a fundamental betrayal of the shared humanity that binds individuals together. In his view, the widespread harm caused by war transcends political goals and constitutes a profound violation of the community of man.

Adler's perspective on war aligns with his broader theory of individual psychology, which emphasizes the significance of social and environmental factors in shaping human behavior. He believed that individuals' actions and attitudes are deeply influenced by their social context, including the broader societal structures and cultural norms in which they are embedded. From this standpoint, war represents a catastrophic failure of the social order, leading to widespread trauma, suffering, and loss.

Furthermore, Adler's characterization of war as the "greatest mass-crime" underscores the magnitude of the harm inflicted on humanity. By using the term "mass-crime," he draws attention to the collective nature of the suffering caused by war. This framing challenges any romanticized or glorified perceptions of warfare, highlighting instead the immense human cost and moral implications of armed conflict.

It is important to consider the historical context in which Adler expressed this viewpoint. Born in 1870, Adler lived through a period marked by significant geopolitical tensions and devastating global conflicts, including World War I and the interwar years. These experiences likely contributed to his deep-seated concern for the destructive impact of war on individuals and society.

In contemporary times, Adler's quote remains relevant as conflicts continue to ravage various regions of the world, causing immeasurable human suffering and societal upheaval. The ongoing prevalence of armed conflicts underscores the enduring significance of Adler's assertion that war constitutes a mass-crime against the community of man.

In conclusion, Alfred Adler's quote serves as a powerful reminder of the profound human toll exacted by war. By reframing war as a mass-crime rather than a mere extension of political maneuvering, Adler challenges us to confront the devastating consequences of armed conflict and to strive for peaceful, cooperative solutions to global challenges. His words resonate as a poignant call to recognize the shared humanity that transcends political divisions and to work towards a world free from the horrors of war.