“War is organized murder and torture against our brothers.”
- February 7, 1870 – May 28, 1937
- Austrian
- Psychotherapist, Medical Doctor, Founder of Individual Psychology
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Quote
“War is organized murder and torture against our brothers.”
Explanation
This quote delivers a stark moral condemnation of war, portraying it not as a necessity of politics or defense, but as a deliberate and systematic act of violence against fellow human beings. For Alfred Adler, who emphasized the importance of Gemeinschaftsgefühl (social feeling or community sense), war represents a complete breakdown of human solidarity. By calling it “organized murder and torture,” Adler strips away the euphemisms of nationalism and strategy, forcing us to confront the inhumanity and moral cost of warfare.
Adler developed his views in the aftermath of World War I, a conflict that left millions dead and deeply scarred Europe. His psychological theories evolved in response to such devastation, emphasizing that human progress depends not on dominance, but on cooperation, empathy, and mutual respect. In this quote, the word “brothers” is especially significant—it reminds us that those labeled as enemies are also human, sharing our vulnerabilities, hopes, and capacity for suffering.
In modern times, Adler’s critique remains urgent. War continues to be waged under the banner of national interest, security, or ideology, yet often results in trauma, displacement, and dehumanization. This quote challenges leaders and citizens alike to reconsider the true cost of conflict, not in abstract terms, but in human lives and ethical responsibility. It calls for a shift in global thinking—from seeing others as adversaries, to recognizing them as members of one human family, worthy of peace, not destruction.
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