--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: against war Weapons are unhappy tools…" description: "\"“against war Weapons are unhappy tools, not chosen by thoughtful people, to be used only when there is no choice, and with a calm, still mind, without ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/830/lao-tzu-624_common-good_against-war-weapons-are-unhappy-tools-no_1925746.jpg" --- # against war Weapons are unhappy tools, not chosen by… ![“against war Weapons are unhappy tools, not chosen by thoughtful people, to be used only when there is no choice, and with a calm, still mind, without enjoyment. To enjoy using weapons is to enjoy killing people, and to enjoy killing people is to lose your share in the common good. ...” quote by Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/830/lao-tzu-624_common-good_against-war-weapons-are-unhappy-tools-no_1925746.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/830/lao-tzu-624_common-good_against-war-weapons-are-unhappy-tools-no_1925746.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/830/lao-tzu-624_common-good_against-war-weapons-are-unhappy-tools-no_1925746.jpg) > ““against war Weapons are unhappy tools, not chosen by thoughtful people, to be used only when there is no choice, and with a calm, still mind, without enjoyment. To enjoy using weapons is to enjoy killing people, and to enjoy killing people is to lose your share in the common good. ...”” [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Weapons are tools of violence that should only be used when absolutely necessary, and with a calm mind, not for pleasure. Enjoying killing erodes one’s contribution to the common good. **In simple terms:** Violence is a last resort, not a source of joy. Key Takeaway Use force only when no other option exists. Themes peace ethics violence humanity Mood somber reflective Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - war - self‑defense - law enforcement - conflict resolution Key Concepts Moral philosophy non‑violence responsibility Questions to Reflect On - When have you faced a moral dilemma about using force? - Can peace be achieved without compromise? A Different Perspective Even when forced, the psychological cost of killing can be severe. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Common good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/common-good/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) ## Related quotes > [Even the best weapon is an unhappy tool, hateful to living things. 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