We can build our future on past achievements

If we tried
To sink the past beneath our feet, be sure
The future would not stand.

Newton repeated the ancient remarks that a successor sees farther than his predecessors because he stands on their shoulders.

After two Great World wars should we not be able to see clearly today that wars just cause unnecessary pain and sorrow to BOTH sides of any conflict? Overcome evil with good, that is the ancient lesson for peace. Why have we not learnt this simple lesson yet?