Final answer:
Siegfried Sassoon viewed war as a grim and inhuman experience, rather than heroic, focusing on the suffering and exploitation of soldiers. Alternatives to war include conflict resolution strategies like diplomacy and negotiations, but the complexity of war demands a nuanced approach. Conscientious objectors and individuals promoting peace through art, literature, and political activism underscore the resistance to traditional warfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
The query touches on the poignant theme of the human cost of war and critiques the manner in which wars are waged. Siegfried Sassoon, a poet and soldier of World War I, indeed did not perceive war to be heroic; rather, he is known for his stark and raw depiction of the horrors of the trenches and the treatment of soldiers. Sassoon's poetry and critical stance highlighted the disconnect between the reality of the conflict and the idealized version of war that was often propagated at home. He emphasizes the suffering, the inhumanity, and the exploitation of soldiers who are risking their lives, often without clear purpose or the promise of meaningful outcomes.
Discussing alternatives to fighting wars requires a deep dive into conflict resolution strategies such as diplomacy, economic sanctions, international law, and other forms of negotiation which seek to mitigate conflict without the loss of lives. The complexity of war means there is rarely a one-size-fits-all alternative, but exploring these strategies could serve to prevent or diminish the frequency and scale of armed conflicts.
Conscientious objectors also play a role in challenging the status quo of war, as history has shown us that many individuals and groups have opposed war on moral, ethical, or religious grounds. Other methods of resistance to direct military conflict include political activism, art, and literature, which can influence public opinion and policy.