If men will permit themselves to think, as rational beings…
“If men will permit themselves to think, as rational beings ought to think, nothing can appear more ridiculous and absurd, exclusive of all moral reflections, than to be at the expence of building navies, filling them with men, and then hauling them into the ocean, to try which can sink each other fastester. Peace, which costs nothing, is attended with infintely more advantage than any victory with all its expence. But this, though it best answers the purpose of Nations, does not that of Court Governments, whose habited policy is pretence for taxation, places, and offices.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War and taxation are wasteful; peace offers greater benefit without cost, urging rational evaluation of national priorities.
In simple terms: War wastes resources; peace is better.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize peace over costly conflict.
Themes
politics
war
peace
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- education
- activism
- budget planning
Key Concepts
economics
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do societies cling to militarism?
- What peaceful alternatives can replace war?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate security concerns.