Meaning: This quote by Cordell Hull, a prominent American politician who served as the United States Secretary of State from 1933 to 1944, reflects the profound impact of the Second World War on global perceptions of peace and its essential role in maintaining civilized existence. The quote highlights the critical importance of peace in the aftermath of the war and underscores the idea that peace is as indispensable to humanity as the very air we breathe is to life itself.

During the period of Hull's tenure as Secretary of State, the world was grappling with the devastating consequences of the Second World War. The conflict had resulted in unprecedented levels of destruction, loss of life, and widespread suffering, leaving a profound impact on countries, societies, and individuals across the globe. The emergence of nuclear weapons and the heightened tensions of the Cold War further heightened the urgency of establishing and maintaining peace as a fundamental necessity for the survival and well-being of humanity.

Hull's assertion that peace is as essential to civilized existence as the air we breathe is a powerful metaphor that underscores the fundamental nature of peace in human society. Much like the air we breathe, which sustains life and enables the functioning of the human body, peace serves as the foundation upon which societies can thrive, progress, and coexist harmoniously. Without peace, the very fabric of civilization is threatened, leading to chaos, conflict, and the erosion of the values and principles that underpin a civilized society.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the international community recognized the need to establish mechanisms and institutions aimed at promoting peace, preventing future conflicts, and fostering cooperation among nations. The creation of the United Nations, with its central goal of maintaining international peace and security, reflected a collective commitment to upholding the principles articulated by Cordell Hull in his quote.

The phrase "ominous shadow" in the quote conveys the lingering impact of the war and its associated circumstances, which loomed over the world, casting a sense of foreboding and uncertainty. The war had fundamentally altered the global landscape, reshaping political alliances, economic systems, and social structures. In this context, Hull's reference to the ominous shadow serves as a poignant reminder of the profound and lasting effects of war on the collective consciousness of humanity.

As a public servant and diplomat, Cordell Hull was deeply invested in advancing the cause of peace and international cooperation. His quote reflects a deeply held belief in the transformative power of peace and the imperative of working towards its realization in a post-war world. Hull's advocacy for peace resonated with his efforts to promote diplomacy, negotiation, and multilateral engagement as means to prevent future conflicts and build a more stable and secure international order.

In conclusion, Cordell Hull's quote encapsulates the profound significance of peace in the wake of the Second World War and its enduring relevance in contemporary global affairs. The metaphorical comparison of peace to the air we breathe underscores its indispensable nature in sustaining civilized existence. Hull's words serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to prioritize peace as a fundamental human need and to work towards building a world where peace is not merely an aspiration, but a tangible reality for all.