I think 'intelligence and character' in this context, can be interpreted as the knowledge of and ability to control world events. All of the wars are started by the 'in the know' few that have their own goals, have power, influence, access to information, etc. But the people that actually fall for the war propaganda and sign up to fight and die (or cheer it on from the sidelines) are largely entirely excluded from having any influence over the decision to start a war, and unaware of the machinations that go on behind the scenes. If we didn't have 'stupid' people willing to die for the goals of a few psychopathic parasites, I'm sure we'd have a lot few wars/conflicts.