Acting Quote by Barack Obama
“We must begin by acknowledging a hard truth. We will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations, acting individually or in concert, will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, 2016
Acknowledges that violent conflict may be unavoidable and sometimes justified, urging realistic expectations about peace efforts.
In simple terms: Violent conflict may persist and sometimes be justified.
Key Takeaway
Accept limits, seek better solutions.
Themes
peace
conflict
realism
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
political
reflective
When to use this quote
- policy making
- international negotiations
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
just war theory
political realism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we reduce reliance on force?
- What alternatives exist to justified violence?
A Different Perspective
Peacebuilding is still possible despite this view.
![“I am ever unwilling that [peace] should be disturbed as long as the rights and interests of the nations can be preserved. But whensoever hostile aggressions on these require a resort to war, we must meet our duty and convince the world that we are just friends and brave enemies.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f27/thomas-jefferson-43_aggression_i-am-ever-unwilling-that-peace-should-be_563504.jpg)
![“That is another theme in the book [Dreams from My Father]. How do we exercise more empathy in our public discourse? How do we get the black to see through the eyes of the white? Or the citizen to see through the eyes of the immigrant? Or the straight to see through the eyes of the gay? That has…” quote by Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00d/barack-obama-17_black_that-is-another-theme-in-the-book-dreams_10185.jpg)
