The social studies teacher had just finished a unit on war and peace. "How many of you," he asked, "would say you're opposed to war?"

Not surprisingly, all hands went up. The teacher asked, "Who'll give us the reason for being opposed to war?"

A large, bored-looking boy in the back of the room raised his hand.

"Alex?" The teacher said.

"I hate war," Alex said, "because wars make history, and I hate history."