Five enemies of peace inhabit with us - avarice, ambition…
“Five enemies of peace inhabit with us - avarice, ambition, envy, anger, and pride; if these were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human vices—greed, desire for power, jealousy, wrath, and hubris—are obstacles to lasting harmony; eliminating them would guarantee unending peace.
In simple terms: Vices block peace.
Key Takeaway
Remove vices, achieve peace.
Themes
human nature
morality
conflict
virtue
philosophy
Mood
reflective
cautious
hopeful
Type
maxim
philosophical insight
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political negotiations
- organizational leadership
- social movements
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
greed
ambition
envy
anger
pride
Practical Applications
- ethical self‑assessment
- civic education
Questions to Reflect On
- Which of these vices is most prevalent today?
- How can societies cultivate the opposite virtues?