Above the Battle

"Above the Battle" by Romain Rolland is a group of writings from when World War I was starting, looking closely at war, strong feelings for one's country, and what humans have in common, pushing for peace between countries. Rolland, a French thinker who didn't believe in war, focuses on the moral problems of fighting, talking to both soldiers and everyone else. The book starts by showing Europe's growing problems as war gets close, comparing the area to a burning forest with people wanting to fight. Rolland thinks about national feelings, regretting that young men from different places are fighting because of selfish goals instead of working together. Using thoughtful language, Rolland asks the youth and thinkers to look past wanting revenge and instead join together with understanding, making it a deep look at how war affects people and society.