--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Could the peaceable principle of the…" description: "\"Could the peaceable principle of the Quakers be universally established, arms and the art of war would be wholly extirpated: But we live not in a world..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9da/thomas-paine-267_agree_could-the-peaceable-principle-of-the-qua_259965.jpg" --- # Could the peaceable principle of the Quakers be… ![“Could the peaceable principle of the Quakers be universally established, arms and the art of war would be wholly extirpated: But we live not in a world of angels...I am thus far a Quaker, that I would gladly agree with all the world to lay aside the use of arms, and settle matters by negotiation…” quote by Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9da/thomas-paine-267_agree_could-the-peaceable-principle-of-the-qua_259965.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9da/thomas-paine-267_agree_could-the-peaceable-principle-of-the-qua_259965.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9da/thomas-paine-267_agree_could-the-peaceable-principle-of-the-qua_259965.jpg) > “Could the peaceable principle of the Quakers be universally established, arms and the art of war would be wholly extirpated: But we live not in a world of angels...I am thus far a Quaker, that I would gladly agree with all the world to lay aside the use of arms, and settle matters by negotiation: but unless the whole will, the matter ends, and I take up my musket and thank Heaven He has put it in my power.” [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Advocates for universal peace, but acknowledges that without collective will, conflict persists and force may be necessary. **In simple terms:** Peace idealism meets realistic need for defense. Key Takeaway Recognize limits of idealism. Themes peace war idealism realism Mood reflective serious Type philosophical political When to use this quote - diplomacy - military strategy - conflict resolution - public policy - ethical debate Key Concepts political philosophy human nature collective will Questions to Reflect On - Can societies achieve lasting peace without force? - What role does collective will play in preventing war? A Different Perspective Idealistic peace may be unattainable without universal commitment. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Angel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/angel/) [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Art of war](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art-of-war/) [Heaven](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven/) [Negotiation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/negotiation/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Quaker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quaker/) [Quakers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/quakers/) [War](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/war/) [World](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/world/) ## Related quotes > [As the Quakers say, "When you pray, move your feet."](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-butterworth/as-the-quakers-say-when-you-pray-move-your-feet/) [Eric Butterworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-butterworth/) > [Quakers are known for wanting to give back. 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