Enthusiasm Quote by Elihu Root
“It is not uncommon in modern times to see governments straining every nerve to keep the peace, and the people whom they represent, with patriotic enthusiasm and resentment over real or fancied wrongs, urging them forward to war.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address on War and Peace, Elihu Root, 1915
Governments manipulate patriotism and fear to rally support for war, blending genuine concern with manufactured resentment.
In simple terms: Governments use pride and fear to push wars.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind calls for war.
Themes
politics
patriotism
war
manipulation
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- political rallies
- media speeches
- policy debates
- public protests
Key Concepts
propaganda
nationalism
public sentiment
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you a war is justified?
- How can citizens discern genuine threats from propaganda?
A Different Perspective
Not all calls for war are purely strategic; some stem from genuine security concerns.
