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Cruelty Quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero

“Wars, therefore, are to be undertaken for this end, that we may live in peace, without being injured; but when we obtain the victory, we must preserve those enemies who behaved without cruelty or inhumanity during the war.” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
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“Wars, therefore, are to be undertaken for this end, that we may live in peace, without being injured; but when we obtain the victory, we must preserve those enemies who behaved without cruelty or inhumanity during the war.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

About This Quote

Source Speech: On the Just War, 44 BC

War should be fought for peace, but after victory, those who acted humanely must be spared.

In simple terms: War for peace, spare humane enemies.

Key Takeaway

Uphold moral standards even after conflict.

Themes

war peace ethics humane conduct victory

Mood

thoughtful ethical

Type

philosophical historical

When to use this quote

  • military strategy
  • peace negotiations
  • humanitarian aid

Key Concepts

just war theory morality post‑war reconciliation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we define humane behavior in war?
  • Can enemies be truly spared?
A Different Perspective

Moral judgments can be subjective and contested.

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