Conditions Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“It is my disposition to maintain peace until its condition shall be made less tolerable than that of war itself.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to James Madison, 1793
Peace is preferred until it becomes less tolerable than war, prompting a shift to conflict.
In simple terms: Stay peaceful until war seems better.
Assess when peace no longer serves security and act accordingly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- diplomacy
- military planning
- national security policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it justified to abandon peace?
- What criteria define tolerable peace?
Peace may be costly; war may be inevitable.