Thus, according to Christianity, we cannot disapprove of war in itself, but must admit that it is justified morally and historically.
Again, we should not be entitled to assume that from the opposite, the purely materialistic, standpoint war is entirely precluded.

The individual who holds such views will certainly regard it with disfavour, since it may cost him life and prosperity.

The State, however, as such can also come from the materialistic standpoint to a decision to wage war, if it believes that by a certain sacrifice of human lives and happiness the conditions of life of the community may be improved.
The loss is restricted to comparatively few, and, since the fundamental notion of all materialistic philosophy inevitably leads to selfishness, the majority of the citizens have no reason for not sacrificing the minority in their own interests.

Thus, those who from the materialistic standpoint deny the necessity of war will admit its expediency from motives of self-interest.
Reflection thus shows not only that war is an unqualified necessity, but that it is justifiable from every point of view.

The practical methods which the adherents of the peace idea have proposed for the prevention of war are shown to be absolutely ineffective.
It is sometimes assumed that every war represents an infringement of rights, and that not only the highest expression of civilization, but also the true welfare of every nation, is involved in the fullest assertion of these rights, and proposals are made from time to time on this basis to settle the disputes which arise between the various countries by Arbitration Courts, and so to render war impossible.