Universal peace—from a woman's standpoint

"Universal Peace—From a Woman’s Standpoint" by Bertha von Suttner is a powerful argument for worldwide peace, directly challenging the common beliefs about war and highlighting the crucial role women play in building a more peaceful world. Written as Europe was becoming more focused on military strength, the book looks at how gender, ethics, and the advancement of society are all connected. Von Suttner questions why war is often glorified, and emphasizes that real progress can only happen when women are actively involved in discussions about peace, rather than just being seen as those who suffer because of war. She explains that as societies get better, they must move away from valuing military power and instead focus on solving problems fairly and peacefully. The book also talks about the importance of international meetings like the Hague Peace Conferences and shares von Suttner's hope for a future where countries work together instead of fighting. Von Suttner firmly believes that achieving universal peace depends on empowering all people and inspiring a shared sense of responsibility to reject the horrors of war.