Justice Quote by George Washington
“Nothing short of self-respect and that justice which is essential to a national character ought to involve us in war; for sure I am, if this country is preserved in tranquillity twenty years longer, it may bid defiance, in a just cause, to any power”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Farewell Address, 1796
War should be a last resort, only justified to protect national honor and liberty.
In simple terms: War only when necessary for national honor.
Key Takeaway
Preserve peace, but be ready to defend.
Themes
justice
national character
war
peace
defense
Mood
solemn
reflective
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- defending sovereignty
- responding to aggression
- maintaining national dignity
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethics
statecraft
Questions to Reflect On
- When is war truly justified?
- How can a nation uphold justice without conflict?
A Different Perspective
War can cause lasting devastation and may be misused.
![“This cold weather has set all the young Folks to providing Bedfellows. I have signed two or three Licences every Day [as a Fairfax Justice of the Peace] since I have been at Home. I wish I knew where to get a good one myself; for I find cold Sheets extreamly disagreeable.” quote by George Mason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b92/george-mason-8435_bedfellows_this-cold-weather-has-set-all-the-young_3953.jpg)
