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All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous…

“All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones. In my opinion, there never was a good war or a bad peace. When will mankind be convinced and agree to settle their difficulties by arbitration?” quote by Benjamin Franklin
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“All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones. In my opinion, there never was a good war or a bad peace. When will mankind be convinced and agree to settle their difficulties by arbitration?”

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

War causes massive loss and suffering; peace, even imperfect, is preferable.

In simple terms: War is costly and harmful; peace is better.

Key Takeaway

Seek peaceful resolution over conflict.

Themes

war peace conflict resolution humanity

Mood

somber reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • international negotiations
  • diplomacy
  • conflict mediation
  • education curricula
  • public policy

Key Concepts

philosophy ethics political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What incentives can encourage nations to choose arbitration?
  • How can societies value peace over war?
A Different Perspective

Peace may be hard to achieve without mutual trust and compromise.

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