Relief

(The death of “Papa” Monzano)

“And then papa said ‘Now I will destroy the whole world.’ “

“What did he mean by that?”

“It’s what Bokonists always say when they are about to commit suicide.” ¹

Humanity lives by the foma² that war is avoidable, that some global utopia can be achieved. Vonnegut suggests that a consensus on the true definition of utopia is not viable because each individual has his or her own truth. In the mentioned excerpt “Papa” Monzano possibly predicts the future, but more likely refers to the destruction of his own world. No other individual would have the same opinions or world perception as his, which illustrates that human beings have endless “shapes”, so how can there ever be consensus? Also, peace cannot be defined without war the same as black is supplemented by white, and lies are born from truths. For this, war and conflict are inherent in human nature.

When the current Israeli conflict will resolve, a new conflict – cause for tension – is bound to arise, whether it is with the same or another “force”. I think that this foma³ about war is not as accepted in the Israeli reality (and other places of similar circumstances). The reality is that wars cannot be prevented; they can be delayed, reduced to a lower scale or even “replaced” by another temporary solution (such as negotiations). But this “solution” may only slightly relieve the tension, preserve the same level of tension, or, most likely, enhance the tension and thus the next collapse will be more intense. War is founded on disagreement between two or more opposing sides so true consensus cannot exist. Even when an agreement is made, it is based on compromise, which means that some of the tension is sustained.

¹ Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle, page 238

² Harmless untruths, Cat’s Cradle, Vonnegut, page vii

³ Harmless untruths, Cat’s Cradle, Vonnegut, page vii

 *This post follows my previous one “Epidemic” and is inspired by Hannah Mooney’s comment on it.

**Thank you Kevin for reviewing my post.