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Imants Lancmani, a Latvian painter and historian, believes we’ve been on the brink of world War III for some time. this sentiment echoes the words of historian August Winkler, who felt we were entering a most dangerous period in world history. Lancmani traces this viewpoint back to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lancmani’s lifelong captivation with history, notably war, has led him to ponder the cyclical nature of global conflicts. Growing up in the aftermath of World War II, he questioned when the next unavoidable war would erupt.He acknowledges the devastation wars bring, yet believes they are an inherent part of human progress and often catalysts for renewal.
## Archyde Interview: Imants Lancmani on the Inevitability of War
**Host:** Welcome to Archyde, Imants. Thank you for joining us today.
**Imants Lancmani:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Your perspective on the inevitability of war, notably your assertion that we’ve been on the brink of World War III for some time, is certainly thought-provoking. Could you elaborate on this view and what led you to it?
**Lancmani:** For me, the seeds of this belief were sown in my childhood. Growing up in the shadow of World War II, witnessing its devastation firsthand, I couldn’t help but wonder when the next unavoidable conflict would erupt. As a historian, I’ve studied the cyclical nature of wars throughout human history, and it became clear to me that they are deeply ingrained in our collective narrative.
**Host:** you’ve mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in your thinking.
**Lancmani:** Absolutely. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities and inequalities on a global scale, highlighting existing tensions and exacerbating divisions. It felt like a catalyst, accelerating us towards a precipice. Historian August Winkler echoed this sentiment, believing we were entering an exceptionally risky period in history.
**Host:** While acknowledging the immense devastation wars bring, you also believe they can act as catalysts for renewal. Could you explain this seemingly paradoxical view?
**Lancmani:** Wars, though tragic and destructive, often force societies to re-evaluate their values and institutions. They can lead to breakthroughs in technology and innovation,spurred by the need to develop new solutions in times of crisis. Furthermore, the collective resilience and sense of unity that emerges from overcoming adversity can ultimately lead to positive social and political changes.
**Host:** Your perspective offers a unique blend of pessimism and optimism. What message do you hope to convey through your work and your views on this complex issue?
**Lancmani:** I believe it’s imperative to confront the reality of war as an inherent part of our history. Refusing to acknowledge its inevitability can lead to complacency and unpreparedness. Though, recognizing its cyclical nature shouldn’t paralyze us. We can learn from past conflicts, strive for peaceful resolutions, and build stronger, more resilient societies capable of navigating the challenges ahead.
**Host:** Thank you, Imants, for sharing your insights. This is certainly a conversation that needs to continue.
## Archyde Interview: The Inevitability of War
**Archyde:** Welcome back to archyde Insights. Today, we’re joined by Imants Lancmani, a Latvian painter and historian, to discuss the cyclical nature of war and its impact on civilization. Imants, thank you for joining us.
**Imants Lancmani:** ItS a pleasure to be here.
**archyde:** You’ve expressed a belief that we are living at a point in history susceptible to World War III, invoking a sentiment shared by other historians like August Winkler. What leads you to this conclusion?
**Lancmani:** My perspective stems from a lifelong fascination with history, notably the patterns of war. Growing up after World War II, I couldn’t help but wonder when the next inevitable conflict would occur. Wars are devastating, yet I believe they’re an intrinsic part of human progress, often acting as catalysts for renewal.
**Archyde:** It’s a complex and perhaps uncomfortable notion, that destruction can lead to progress. Can you elaborate on how you see this playing out?
**Lancmani:** Look at the aftermath of previous world wars. World War I shattered empires and feudal systems, paving the way for new democracies. while World War II witnessed the resurgence of capitalism and the decline of socialist ideals, it also gave rise to a strong middle class and spurred the concept of a more humane market economy.
**Archyde:** Captivating.So, each conflict, in its own way, reshaped the world order. But where do you see us now? You mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic’s emergence.
**Lancmani:** The pandemic was a wake-up call, a reminder that we are interconnected and vulnerable on a global scale.
it ignited hope for renewed global cooperation,for a departure from this cycle of conflict and pestilence. The rapid development of vaccines offered a glimpse of collective human achievement.
**Archyde:** Yes, a moment of unity seemed possible
**Lancmani:** But then February 24th arrived, shattering that fragile hope with the outbreak of war. It’s a stark reminder that the forces shaping history are complex, and the cycle continues.
**Archyde:** It’s a sobering thought.What are your hopes for the future, given this cyclical nature of war?
**Lancmani:**
while I believe war is deeply ingrained in humanity’s history, I also believe in our capacity for learning and adaptation. Perhaps we can evolve beyond this destructive pattern through dialog, understanding, and a commitment to peaceful co-existence. The future is not predetermined; we have the power to shape it.
**archyde:** A powerful and hopeful message. Imants Lancmani, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Lancmani:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:** This has been Archyde Insights, exploring the complex realities of our world.
The Inevitability of War and its Impact on Civilization
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Cycles of Destruction and Renewal
“Unluckily, no matter how terrible it is indeed,” Lancmani states, “wars are necessary. No matter how much I loathe them, I am forced to understand they are inevitable, embedded in the code of human development. Each one brings not only endless destruction, but some kind of renewal.” He points to the aftermath of previous world wars as evidence. World War I saw the collapse of empires and feudal systems, paving the way for new democracies. While World War II witnessed the revival of capitalism and the decline of socialist ideals, it also fostered the growth of a middle class and new conceptions of a more humane free market. Despite these transformations, Lancmani senses a stagnation in societal progress and wonders what the next global conflict will usher in.History’s Cycle: COVID, War, and the Inevitability of Conflict
The conversation around war and its seemingly cyclical nature often sparks debate. Some argue that human history is doomed to repeat itself, while others hold hope for a brighter, more peaceful future. A recent discussion explored this very idea, suggesting that major events, be it war or pandemic, are intertwined and often follow a predictable pattern. One participant reflected on the appearance of COVID-19, seeing it as a potential parallel to the plagues that have historically accompanied periods of war. They noted that past conflicts rarely stood alone, often followed by or intertwined with devastating diseases. “Coincidence basically prepares 1000 things that lead everything towards it,” the participant, Imants Lanczmanis, explained. “All these cogs are slowly moving forward, and only what looks like a coincidence is just one cog jerk that is the basis of its explosion.” Lanczmanis’s viewpoint suggests that world events are driven by a complex web of interconnected factors,where seemingly random occurrences can trigger larger,more notable outcomes. Initially, there was hope that the COVID-19 pandemic might be a turning point, leading to global cooperation and a departure from the cycle of war and pestilence. The rapid development and distribution of vaccines fueled optimism that perhaps humanity had found a path to collectively overcome such challenges.But the sudden outbreak of war in February shattered that hope, reinforcing the notion that history’s cyclical nature remains unbroken.“And then February 24 came. it was clear to me – no, everything will be the right way, the full way. This envelope functioned as it has functioned throughout the long development of mankind,”
## Archyde Interview: Imants Lancmani on the Inevitability of War
**Host:** Welcome to Archyde, Imants. Thank you for joining us today.
**Imants Lancmani:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Your perspective on the inevitability of war, notably your assertion that we’ve been on the brink of World War III for some time, is certainly thought-provoking. Could you elaborate on this view and what led you to it?
**Lancmani:** For me, the seeds of this belief were sown in my childhood. Growing up in the shadow of World War II, witnessing its devastation firsthand, I couldn’t help but wonder when the next unavoidable conflict would erupt. As a historian, I’ve studied the cyclical nature of wars throughout human history, and it became clear to me that they are deeply ingrained in our collective narrative.
**Host:** you’ve mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in your thinking.
**Lancmani:** Absolutely. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities and inequalities on a global scale, highlighting existing tensions and exacerbating divisions. It felt like a catalyst, accelerating us towards a precipice. Historian August Winkler echoed this sentiment, believing we were entering an exceptionally risky period in history.
**Host:** While acknowledging the immense devastation wars bring, you also believe they can act as catalysts for renewal. Could you explain this seemingly paradoxical view?
**Lancmani:** Wars, though tragic and destructive, often force societies to re-evaluate their values and institutions. They can lead to breakthroughs in technology and innovation,spurred by the need to develop new solutions in times of crisis. Furthermore, the collective resilience and sense of unity that emerges from overcoming adversity can ultimately lead to positive social and political changes.
**Host:** Your perspective offers a unique blend of pessimism and optimism. What message do you hope to convey through your work and your views on this complex issue?
**Lancmani:** I believe it’s imperative to confront the reality of war as an inherent part of our history. Refusing to acknowledge its inevitability can lead to complacency and unpreparedness. Though, recognizing its cyclical nature shouldn’t paralyze us. We can learn from past conflicts, strive for peaceful resolutions, and build stronger, more resilient societies capable of navigating the challenges ahead.
**Host:** Thank you, Imants, for sharing your insights. This is certainly a conversation that needs to continue.
## Archyde Interview: The Inevitability of War
**Archyde:** Welcome back to archyde Insights. Today, we’re joined by Imants Lancmani, a Latvian painter and historian, to discuss the cyclical nature of war and its impact on civilization. Imants, thank you for joining us.
**Imants Lancmani:** ItS a pleasure to be here.
**archyde:** You’ve expressed a belief that we are living at a point in history susceptible to World War III, invoking a sentiment shared by other historians like August Winkler. What leads you to this conclusion?
**Lancmani:** My perspective stems from a lifelong fascination with history, notably the patterns of war. Growing up after World War II, I couldn’t help but wonder when the next inevitable conflict would occur. Wars are devastating, yet I believe they’re an intrinsic part of human progress, often acting as catalysts for renewal.
**Archyde:** It’s a complex and perhaps uncomfortable notion, that destruction can lead to progress. Can you elaborate on how you see this playing out?
**Lancmani:** Look at the aftermath of previous world wars. World War I shattered empires and feudal systems, paving the way for new democracies. while World War II witnessed the resurgence of capitalism and the decline of socialist ideals, it also gave rise to a strong middle class and spurred the concept of a more humane market economy.
**Archyde:** Captivating.So, each conflict, in its own way, reshaped the world order. But where do you see us now? You mentioned the COVID-19 pandemic’s emergence.
**Lancmani:** The pandemic was a wake-up call, a reminder that we are interconnected and vulnerable on a global scale.
it ignited hope for renewed global cooperation,for a departure from this cycle of conflict and pestilence. The rapid development of vaccines offered a glimpse of collective human achievement.
**Archyde:** Yes, a moment of unity seemed possible
**Lancmani:** But then February 24th arrived, shattering that fragile hope with the outbreak of war. It’s a stark reminder that the forces shaping history are complex, and the cycle continues.
**Archyde:** It’s a sobering thought.What are your hopes for the future, given this cyclical nature of war?
**Lancmani:**
while I believe war is deeply ingrained in humanity’s history, I also believe in our capacity for learning and adaptation. Perhaps we can evolve beyond this destructive pattern through dialog, understanding, and a commitment to peaceful co-existence. The future is not predetermined; we have the power to shape it.
**archyde:** A powerful and hopeful message. Imants Lancmani, thank you for sharing your insights with us today.
**Lancmani:** Thank you for having me.
**Archyde:** This has been Archyde Insights, exploring the complex realities of our world.
