Violence begets violence facts for kids
The phrase "violence begets violence" means that when people act violently, it often causes more violent actions to happen. It's like a chain reaction where one violent act leads to another. This idea has been used for a very long time, since the early 1800s.
The Idea's Ancient Roots
The concept that violence creates more violence is an old one. It is described in the Gospel of Matthew, a book in the Bible. In this story, Jesus is being arrested. One of his followers, Peter, draws a sword to defend Jesus. But Jesus tells him to put his weapon away.
Jesus says:
"Put your sword back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword."
This means that those who use violence will often face violence themselves.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Wisdom
Martin Luther King Jr. (1929–1968) was a famous American leader. He fought for civil rights using peaceful methods. He often spoke about how violence only leads to more problems. He used the phrase "violence begets violence" in his speeches and writings.
He explained that:
Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets a greater toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love... Our aim must never be to defeat or humiliate the white man, but to win his friendship and understanding.
King believed that responding to hate with love was the only way to truly solve problems. He taught that violence cannot end hate. It only makes hate grow stronger.
He also said:
The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy, instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate.
Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King Jr. taught that violence might seem to solve a problem quickly. But it actually makes things worse in the long run. He believed that only love and understanding can truly overcome hate and violence.
See also
- Live by the sword, die by the sword
- Christian anarchism
- Cycle of violence
- Turning the other cheek
