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?

Divide and command, a wise maxim;
Unite and guide, a better.
[Ger., Entzwei' und gebiete! Tuchtig Wort,
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Divide and command, a wise maxim;
Unite and guide, a better.
[Ger., Entzwei' und gebiete! Tuchtig Wort,
Verein' und leite! Bess'rer Hort.]

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

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.

Union gives strength to the humble.
[Lat., Auxilia humilia firma consensus facit.]

Union gives strength to the humble.
[Lat., Auxilia humilia firma consensus facit.]

Our Union is river, lake, ocean, and sky:
Man breaks not the medal, when God cuts the die!
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Our Union is river, lake, ocean, and sky:
Man breaks not the medal, when God cuts the die!
Though darkened with sulphur, though cloven with steel,
The blue arch will brighten, the waters will heal!

In union there is strength.

In union there is strength.

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.]

There with commutual zeal we both had strove
In acts of dear benevolence and love;
Brothers in read more

There with commutual zeal we both had strove
In acts of dear benevolence and love;
Brothers in peace, not rivals in command.