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us its irrevocable veto： There shall be no war。 So there ought to be
no war； neither between me and you in the condition of nature； nor
between us as members of states which； although internally in a
condition of law； are still externally in their relation to each other
in a condition of lawlessness； for this is not the way by which any
one should prosecute his right。 Hence the question no longer is as
to whether perpetual peace is a real thing or not a real thing； or
as to whether we may not be deceiving ourselves when we adopt the
former alternative； but we must act on the supposition of its being
real。 We must work for what may perhaps not be realized； and establish
that constitution which yet seems best adapted to bring it about
（mayhap republicanism in all states； together and separately）。 And
thus we may put an end to the evil of wars； which have been the
chief interest of the internal arrangements of all the states
without exception。 And although the realization of this purpose may
always remain but a pious wish； yet we do certainly not deceive
ourselves in adopting the maxim of action that will guide us in
working incessantly for it； for it is a duty to do this。 To suppose
that the moral law within us is itself deceptive； would be
sufficient to excite the horrible wish rather to be deprived of all
reason than to live under such deception； and even to see oneself；
according to such principles； degraded like the lower animals to the
level of the mechanical play of nature。
It may be said that the universal and lasting establishment of peace
constitutes not merely a part； but the whole final purpose and end
of the science of right as viewed within the limits of reason。 The
state of peace is the only condition of the mine and thine that is
secured and guaranteed by laws in the relationship of men living in
numbers contiguous to each other； and who are thus combined in a
constitution whose rule is derived not from the mere experience of
those who have found it the best as a normal guide for others； but
which must be taken by the reason a priori from the ideal of a
juridical union of men under public laws generally。 For all particular
examples or instances； being able only to furnish illustration but not
proof； are deceptive； and at all events require a metaphysic to
establish them by its necessary principles。 And this is conceded
indirectly even by those who turn metaphysics into ridicule； when they
say； as they often do： 〃The best constitution is that in which not men
but laws exercise the power。〃 For what can be more metaphysically
sublime in its own way than this very idea of theirs； which
according to their own assertion has； notwithstanding； the most
objective reality？ This may be easily shown by reference to actual
instances。 And it is this very idea； which alone can be carried out
practically； if it is not forced on in a revolutionary and sudden
way by violent overthrow of the existing defective constitution； for
this would produce for the time the momentary annihilation of the
whole juridical state of society。 But if the idea is carried forward
by gradual reform and in accordance with fixed principles； it may lead
by a continuous approximation to the highest political good； and to
perpetual peace。
…THE END…