Affair Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“We abhor the follies of war, and are not untried in its distresses and calamities. Unmeddling with the affairs of other nations, we had hoped that our distance and our dispositions would have left us free, in the example and indulgence of peace with all the world.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to James Madison, 1801
War brings suffering and chaos; isolation does not guarantee peace.
In simple terms: War causes suffering; distance alone won't keep peace.
Avoid war through active diplomacy.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- foreign policy planning
- conflict resolution
- national security
- international relations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can nations balance isolationist tendencies with global responsibilities?
- What diplomatic tools best prevent war?
Peace requires engagement, not just distance.