“The poor go to war, to fight and die for the delights, riches, and superfluities of others.”

Simplified Meaning:

When wars happen, often it’s regular people, especially those without much money or resources, who end up fighting and risking their lives. They do this not for their own gain, but to benefit the wealthy and powerful who usually stay safe and reap the rewards. For example, in many historical conflicts, like World War I, soldiers who were mostly farmers, factory workers, or without significant wealth, went to battle. Meanwhile, the rich got richer from the profits made through the war, such as selling weapons or other supplies. This idea suggests that the people who actually make sacrifices in war don't always see the benefits—they might be doing it because they feel they have no other choice, or out of duty. In contrast, others who are already wealthy gain even more from the war’s outcomes, like new land, resources, or political power, without facing the same dangers. To apply this understanding today, one should think critically about the reasons behind conflicts and who really benefits from them. It encourages awareness of how societal structures might exploit certain groups for the gain of others.