Why is it that an extended olive branch often turns to a clinched fist of hatred?

Why is it that an extended olive branch often turns to a clinched fist of hatred?

Then none was for a party;
Than all were for the state;
Then the great man helped read more

Then none was for a party;
Than all were for the state;
Then the great man helped the poor,
And the poor man loved the great:
Then lands were fairly portioned;
Then spoils were fairly sold:
The Romans were like brothers
In the brave days of old.

In union there is strength.

In union there is strength.

The plastic virtues: purity, unity, and truth, keep nature in subjection.

The plastic virtues: purity, unity, and truth, keep nature in subjection.

We are one people and will act as one.
[Ger., Wir sind ein Volk, und einig wollen wir handeln.]

We are one people and will act as one.
[Ger., Wir sind ein Volk, und einig wollen wir handeln.]

Whatever may be the issue we shall share one common danger, one
safety.
[Lat., Quo res cunque cadant, read more

Whatever may be the issue we shall share one common danger, one
safety.
[Lat., Quo res cunque cadant, unum et commune periculum,
Una salus ambobus erit.]

The union of lakes--the union of lands--
The union of States none can sever--
The union of read more

The union of lakes--the union of lands--
The union of States none can sever--
The union of hearts--the union of hands--
And the flag of our Union for ever!

Unity can only be manifested by the Binary. Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two.

Unity can only be manifested by the Binary. Unity itself and the idea of Unity are already two.

So we grew together,
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
But yet an union in partition--
read more

So we grew together,
Like to a double cherry, seeming parted,
But yet an union in partition--
Two lovely berries moulded on one stem;
So, with two seeming bodies, but one heart;
Two of the first, like coats in heraldry,
Due but to one, and crowned with one crest.