Some Wisdom from Slaughterhouse-Five

One quote from Slaughterhouse-Five that really caught my attention was on page 19.

"I have told my sons that they are not under any circumstances to take part in massacres, and that the news of massacres of enemies is not to fill them with satisfaction or glee."

This quote is very powerful, and I think it's a piece of wisdom that everyone should listen to. War does more harm than good, yet it keeps happening. The second part of the quote about the massacres of enemies made me think of when bin Laden was killed recently. So many Americans rejoiced and celebrated that day. Somehow that seems wrong to me. I'm not saying that his death isn't a relief, because it is. But the image of people rejoicing and celebrating makes me uncomfortable. Getting true joy, "satisfaction or glee" out of the death of anyone seems wrong, no matter who they are. I know that because of bin Laden many people have died, so it is justice. But, it's part of a vicious cycle. If we keep killing each other peace will not come, and the cycle is perpetuated by the satisfaction anyone feels at the expense of others. If each side is satisfied or gleeful about the other's pain, we will get nowhere, and we will always be seeking revenge. That applies to any conflict in life, and no one should have to live that way.