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?

By union the smallest states thrive, by discord the greatest are
destroyed.
[Lat., Concordia res parvae crescunt, discordia read more

By union the smallest states thrive, by discord the greatest are
destroyed.
[Lat., Concordia res parvae crescunt, discordia maximae
dilabantur.]

Even though this is late in an election year, there is no way we can go forward except together and read more

Even though this is late in an election year, there is no way we can go forward except together and no way anybody can win except by serving the people's urgent needs. We cannot stand still or slip backwards. We must go forward now together.

I never use the word "nation" in speaking of the United States.
I always use the word "Union" or read more

I never use the word "nation" in speaking of the United States.
I always use the word "Union" or "Confederacy." We are not a
nation but a union, a confederacy of equal and sovereign States.

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.]

When you make the sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship.

When you make the sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship.

When our two lives grew like two buds that kiss
At lightest thrill from the bee's swinging chime,
read more

When our two lives grew like two buds that kiss
At lightest thrill from the bee's swinging chime,
Because the one so near the other is.

The wavering multitude is divided into opposite factions.

The wavering multitude is divided into opposite factions.

A wise man hears one word and understands two.

A wise man hears one word and understands two.