Since the dawn of humanity, the act of taking another person's life has regrettably been woven into the fabric of our existence. A dark thread that traces back to the earliest chapters of our history, the reasons behind these acts of violence have been diverse and complex. From the ancient battlefield to the modern theatre of war, the motivations for killing have evolved, leaving an indelible mark on human civilization.

1. Historical Roots of Conflict:
In the annals of history, we find instances of people resorting to violence for a myriad of reasons. Whether fueled by territorial disputes, resources, or ideological differences, humans have engaged in conflict since time immemorial. Wars and genocides, often waged for territorial power and greed, stand as testaments to the darker aspects of our shared history.

2. Monarchies and the Impact on Commoners:
In the days of monarchies, conflicts were predominantly waged by soldiers on behalf of kings and monarchs. Common people, although living under the shadow of warfare, were not the primary targets. Wars were fought between rulers, and the impact on the non-military populace was relatively limited. The sacrifice was borne predominantly by soldiers who fought for their sovereigns.

3. The Shift to Nationalism:
The landscape changed with the rise of nationalism. In contemporary times, the notion of nations brought forth a new dynamic in the nature of conflict. No longer confined to battles between monarchs, wars became a collective endeavor involving entire nations. Regardless of their role, every citizen found themselves entangled in the complex web of nationalistic fervor, blurring the lines between soldier and civilian.

4. The Human Cost of Modern Warfare:
As nations embraced the concept of collective identity, conflicts began to take a toll on the common people. Modern warfare, with its advanced weaponry and strategies, brought devastation not only to military personnel but also to civilians. The distinction between combatants and non-combatants became increasingly blurred, underscoring the profound impact of nationalistic conflicts on societies at large.

The journey from the early days of warfare, marked by conflicts between rulers and their armies, to the modern era of nationalism, has reshaped the dynamics of human conflict. The evolution of killing from a distant concern for commoners to a shared burden carried by entire nations is a reflection of our complex history. Understanding this evolution is crucial as we navigate the intricate path towards a more peaceful coexistence, acknowledging the shared responsibility we all bear in shaping the destiny of our global society.