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America and americans Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“If there be one principle more deeply rooted than any other in the mind of every American, it is, that we should have nothing to do with conquest” quote by Thomas Jefferson
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“If there be one principle more deeply rooted than any other in the mind of every American, it is, that we should have nothing to do with conquest”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

Source Letter: Correspondence with James Madison, 1793

Americans should avoid conquest, valuing peaceful relations and moral integrity over expansionist ambitions.

In simple terms: Avoid conquest; favor peace.

Key Takeaway

Promote peaceful policies.

Themes

peace ethics politics

Mood

thoughtful principled

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • diplomacy
  • education
  • community building

Key Concepts

Republicanism foreign policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to balance security and non‑conquest?
  • What alternatives exist to expansion?
A Different Perspective

National security concerns may conflict.

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