He could see that violence was dangerously contagious. War, for Emerson, is part of wild and primitive societies, and the primitive stages of religion lead to religious wars. It is the ignorant and childish part of mankind that is the fighting part. Like others, Emerson notes that trade works against war, because it gives people contact, knowledge, and familiarity with their enemies. The development of learning, art, and religion make war seem like fratricide, and he adds that it is.
History depicts the slow mitigation and decline of war.
Yet the doctrine of the right of war still remains. Societies have been formed on this thought, and the hopes and prayers for peace are preparing for its actualization. Though it appears to be visionary to most, the idea is growing in influence and is inevitable. What is good and true will eventually prevail. The wise learn to trust ideas over circumstances, for appearances depend on the mind.