--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us…" description: "\"It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us in peace. Were one half of mankind brave and one cowards, the brave would be always beating the cowards. Were..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09f/samuel-johnson-50_brave_it-is-thus-that-mutual-cowardice-keeps-u_1259093.png" --- # It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us in peace. Were… ![“It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us in peace. Were one half of mankind brave and one cowards, the brave would be always beating the cowards. Were all brave, they would lead a very uneasy life; all would be continually fighting; but being all cowards, we go on very well.” quote by Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09f/samuel-johnson-50_brave_it-is-thus-that-mutual-cowardice-keeps-u_1259093.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09f/samuel-johnson-50_brave_it-is-thus-that-mutual-cowardice-keeps-u_1259093.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/09f/samuel-johnson-50_brave_it-is-thus-that-mutual-cowardice-keeps-u_1259093.png) > “It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us in peace. Were one half of mankind brave and one cowards, the brave would be always beating the cowards. Were all brave, they would lead a very uneasy life; all would be continually fighting; but being all cowards, we go on very well.” [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Mutual cowardice maintains peace, while universal bravery would cause constant conflict; universal cowardice leads to stability. **In simple terms:** Peace comes from shared fear, not from universal courage. Key Takeaway Recognize the balance between courage and caution. Themes peace human nature conflict courage Mood thoughtful philosophical Type analytical reflective When to use this quote - Political negotiations - military standoffs - social movements Key Concepts Philosophy social dynamics ethical paradox Questions to Reflect On - When is courage essential despite the risk of conflict? - How can societies balance peace and progress? A Different Perspective Excessive cowardice can prevent necessary change. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brave/) [Brave Cowards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brave-cowards-959592/) [Courage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courage/) [Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/coward/) [Cowardice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cowardice/) [Cowards Brave](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cowards-brave-1648320/) [Easy life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/easy-life/) [Fighting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fighting/) [Fighting Cowards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fighting-cowards-3996178/) [Goes on](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goes-on/) [Half](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/half/) [Mankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mankind/) [Mutual](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mutual/) [Mutual Cowardice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mutual-cowardice-892865/) [One half](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/one-half/) [Peace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peace/) [Uneasy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/uneasy/) [Wells](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wells/) [Would be](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/would-be/) ## Related quotes > [Mutual cowardice keeps us in peace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/mutual-cowardice-keeps-us-in-peace/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [Be brave. 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