--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Resort to military force is a first sure…" description: "\"Resort to military force is a first sure sign that we are giving up the struggle for the democratic way of life, and that the Old World has conquered m..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8d/john-dewey-545_democratic_resort-to-military-force-is-a-first-sure_1490688.png" --- # Resort to military force is a first sure sign that we are… ![“Resort to military force is a first sure sign that we are giving up the struggle for the democratic way of life, and that the Old World has conquered morally as well as geographically succeeding in imposing upon us its ideals and methods.” quote by John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8d/john-dewey-545_democratic_resort-to-military-force-is-a-first-sure_1490688.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8d/john-dewey-545_democratic_resort-to-military-force-is-a-first-sure_1490688.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c8d/john-dewey-545_democratic_resort-to-military-force-is-a-first-sure_1490688.png) > “Resort to military force is a first sure sign that we are giving up the struggle for the democratic way of life, and that the Old World has conquered morally as well as geographically succeeding in imposing upon us its ideals and methods.” [John Dewey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-dewey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Resorting to military action signals abandoning democratic struggle and moral defeat, allowing old powers to impose their values. **In simple terms:** Using force shows we’ve given up democratic ideals. Key Takeaway Defend democracy without force. Themes democracy morality power imperialism Mood concerned urgent Type philosophical political When to use this quote - government policy - international conflict - civil rights activism - education curricula Key Concepts political theory ethical decline cultural hegemony Questions to Reflect On - How can societies resist militaristic impulses? - What alternatives preserve democratic values? A Different Perspective Force may be seen as necessary by some leaders, limiting peaceful alternatives. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Giving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving/) [Giving up](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/giving-up/) [Ideals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideals/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Military](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/military/) [Military force](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/military-force/) [Old world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old-world/) [Resorts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/resorts/) [Struggle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/struggle/) [Way of life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/way-of-life/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [I had this notion of what I called a democratic way of looking around, that nothing was more important or less important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-eggleston/i-had-this-notion-of-what-i-called-a-democratic-way-of-looking-around-2/) [William Eggleston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-eggleston/) > [My message to France and Europe is that we will make sure Venezuela won't witness the rise of another Pinochet. 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