In the last 3,500 years, only 230 years have passed without war and there has been peace. War is a conflict that provokes excessive violent resistance. People have experienced many wars throughout history, with many casualties and military losses. They sacrificed themselves to save their families, their countries, their religions and their nations. Sometimes they could win the battles, sometimes they couldn't. They tried many tactics, strategies and various ways to win wars. As they tried new tactics, they used their knowledge and quick thinking. Additionally, quick thinking and knowledge have helped more than swords to win wars in the past. In wars, quick thinking and knowledge are more important than the sword in terms of casualties and military needs. First of all, alertness and knowledge help reduce the number of casualties. Throughout history, people have won wars through their quick thinking and knowledge. If people had tried to win wars only with their concrete strengths, they would not have been able to stop or reduce the number of casualties. The Battle of Thermopylae is an exceptional case. The Battle of Thermopylae took place between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire. Fitzgerald reports that the Greek city-states were against the Persian Empire with 23,800 soldiers against 3,470,000 soldiers, therefore the Persian Empire won the war (Fitzgerald, The Battle of Thermopylae Facts). Furthermore, the Persian Empire continued to massacre more people. Therefore, the Greek city-states had to put an end to the Persian Empire. The Greek city-states used their quick thinking and knowledge and built a defensive block at the narrowest pass of Thermopylae. Lazenby states: "Strategically, in defending Thermopylae, the Greeks were making the best possible use of their forces" (248-253)....... middle of paper ...... and knowledge reduce casualties and military requirements in wars than swords can. As has been mentioned, the Battle of Thermopylae, the Gallipoli Campaign, the Armistice of Mudros, the Conquest of Istanbul, and the Battle of Mycale demonstrate the benefits of knowledge and quick-thinking in history. Sharp thinking and knowledge are solutions to conflicts. If people do not expect victory from an army, their slightest military force, quick thinking and knowledge can save the people and the military force. When people want to use a strategy, they need a sharp mind. When they have to make the right decision, they need knowledge. If people do not use their quick wits and knowledge when swords cannot be used, they cannot achieve their goal or get out of their difficult situations. Therefore, people solve their problems using their knowledge and quick thinking, not using swords in their lives..