Friendship Quote by Gene Wolfe
““Do you know the definition of peace, my friend?” “Not the one you are about to quote, I’m sure.” Beyond the Duko, I saw Oreb flash past the windows—and heard him, too: “Here Silk! Silk here!” “Peace, as you intend peace, is but the slice of cheese in a sandwich, a period of cheating between two periods of fighting. Your peace would endure only until Blanko felt strong enough to throw us off, probably when we were deeply committed elsewhere. No, my friend, Pas would agree to no such peace, and neither will I. Would your Blanko consent to surrender all its weapons, every big gun, every slug gun, every needler, every sword and every knife?” I said that I did not know, but that I felt sure the Corpo would at least consider such a demand. “Then I make it. I make it because after you have complied with it, I can do whatever I wish.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Peace Paradox”, 1995
Peace is portrayed as a fleeting pause between ongoing conflict, suggesting that true peace is impossible without mutual disarmament and trust.
In simple terms: Peace is a temporary truce, not lasting harmony.
Key Takeaway
Question the sustainability of peace without genuine reconciliation.
Themes
war
peace
trust
power
negotiation
Mood
cautious
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- diplomatic talks
- conflict resolution
- military planning
- public discourse
Key Concepts
disarmament
psychology
strategic deception
Questions to Reflect On
- What conditions enable lasting peace?
- Is compromise ever sufficient?
A Different Perspective
The view may be cynical, ignoring successful long‑term peace processes.
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