It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people…
“It is a fearful thing to lead this great peaceful people into war, into the most terrible and disastrous of all wars, civilizationitself seeming to be in the balance. But the right is more precious than peace, and we shall fight for the things we have always carried closest to our hearts.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War is a grave responsibility, but defending core values may outweigh peace; the fight is for cherished principles.
In simple terms: War is terrible but sometimes necessary for values.
Defend core values, even at war’s cost.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parliamentary debate
- military mobilization
- public morale
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What values are worth fighting for?
- How do societies balance peace and principle?
War can cause massive loss and may not always protect values.