You have not been mistaken in supposing my views and…
![“You have not been mistaken in supposing my views and feeling to be in favor of the abolition of war. Of my dispos[i]tion to maintain peace until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war itself, the world has had proofs, and more, perhaps, than it has approved. I hope it is…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/77f/thomas-jefferson-43_abolition_you-have-not-been-mistaken-in-supposing_184816.jpg)
“You have not been mistaken in supposing my views and feeling to be in favor of the abolition of war. Of my dispos[i]tion to maintain peace until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war itself, the world has had proofs, and more, perhaps, than it has approved. I hope it is practicable, by improving the mind and morals of society, to lessen the dispos[i]tion to war; but of its abolition I despair.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker believes personal peace is possible, but doubts humanity can fully abandon war, hoping moral improvement can reduce conflict.
In simple terms: Peace is possible but war may persist; moral growth may lessen it.
Key Takeaway
Aim to improve societal morals to reduce war.
Themes
peace
war
human nature
morality
optimism
Mood
reflective
hopeful
skeptical
Type
philosophical
political
historical
When to use this quote
- personal belief
- political discourse
- historical context
Key Concepts
social contract
ethical development
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- Can moral education truly diminish war?
- What limits prevent complete peace?
A Different Perspective
War may be inherent to human societies despite moral progress.