Meaning: Elihu Root, a prominent American lawyer, states in this quote that the promotion of peace through non-violent means is limited by the fact that it relies on appealing to the civilized side of human nature. He contrasts this with the forces that lead to war, which he attributes to the original savage nature of humanity. Root's quote touches on the complex and enduring struggle between peace and war, shedding light on the challenges of promoting peaceful resolutions in the face of deeply rooted human tendencies.

Root's assertion that promoting peace consists of appealing to the civilized side of man reflects a belief in the potential for rational and diplomatic approaches to conflict resolution. This aligns with the principles of diplomacy and international relations, which often emphasize the power of dialogue, negotiation, and mutual understanding in preventing and resolving disputes. Root's perspective suggests that the promotion of peace requires harnessing the higher faculties of human nature, such as reason, empathy, and cooperation.

However, Root's statement also highlights the limitation of this approach. He suggests that the effectiveness of promoting peace through appeals to human civility is hindered by the fact that war arises from forces rooted in humanity's original savage nature. This perspective touches on the age-old debate regarding human nature, exploring the tension between our capacity for reason and compassion, and our potential for aggression and conflict. Root's words imply that the innate, primal aspects of human nature can give rise to the destructive forces that lead to war, posing a significant obstacle to the promotion of peace.

Root's quote reflects a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the pursuit of peace. It acknowledges the potential of peaceful means to address conflicts, while also recognizing the formidable challenges posed by the darker aspects of human nature. By juxtaposing the appeal to civilized behavior with the origins of war in savage instincts, Root underscores the intricate interplay between human nature and the dynamics of conflict and peace.

In the context of international relations and conflict resolution, Root's quote prompts reflection on the inherent difficulties of promoting peace in a world marked by diverse interests, power dynamics, and historical grievances. It serves as a reminder that achieving lasting peace requires grappling with deep-seated human tendencies and navigating the intricate interplay of political, social, and psychological factors that shape conflicts.

Root's insights also resonate with broader philosophical and ethical discussions about the nature of humanity and the perennial quest for peace. His acknowledgment of the challenges inherent in promoting peace serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to transcend the primal instincts that fuel conflict and to cultivate the virtues of empathy, understanding, and cooperation.

In conclusion, Elihu Root's quote encapsulates the complex dynamics of peace and war, shedding light on the limitations and challenges inherent in promoting peaceful resolutions. By highlighting the interplay between appeals to civilized behavior and the primal forces underlying war, Root's words invite contemplation on the enduring struggle to overcome humanity's innate tendencies toward conflict and to foster a more peaceful world.