The Moral Equivalent of War by William James -- the Origins of Non-Military National Service

In The Moral Equivalent of War, William James, a prominent American philosopher and psychologist, argues for non-military national service. Although James is a pacifist, he writes in consideration and appreciation for the aesthetic & ethical point of view of militarists.

Messy super short notes:

• War and preparation for war are never ending. It is in human nature.

• Nations are never stationary-- they expand or shrink-- and war is a transitory mechanism for this.

• A nation will degenerate if left without war, fear of man, or fear of God.

• War is the only way to impose discipline on a whole community and to make people feel honored to belong.

• If humans must fight a common enemy and pay a "blood-tax" to stay motivated and a sense of belonging, let it be to fight nature, fight disease, and fight poverty. 

• Sustain civic unity in the absence of war or crisis by using martial-like discipline under the guise of a universal military duty, aka organized national service.

• A century later with famous organizations like Civilian Conservation Corps, Peace Corps, VISTA, and AmeriCorps, the influences of this essay are undeniable.