Decision Quote by William Graham Sumner
“A wiser rule would be to make up your mind soberly what you want, peace or war, and then to get ready for what you want; for what we prepare for is what we shall get.”
About This Quote
Source Book: What Social Classes Owe to One Another by William Graham Sumner, 1883
Choosing a clear stance—peace or war—determines the outcomes we experience; preparation shapes reality.
In simple terms: Decide and prepare, then you get what you prepared for.
Key Takeaway
Align intentions with actions.
Themes
decision
preparation
consequence
intentionality
Mood
determined
reflective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal goals
- political negotiations
- conflict resolution
- career planning
Key Concepts
determinism
agency
strategic planning
Questions to Reflect On
- What do you truly desire?
- How does your preparation reflect your desire?
A Different Perspective
If intentions are unclear, preparation may be misdirected.
![“The yearning after equality [in economic outcome] is the offspring of envy and covetousness, and there is no possible plan for satisfying that yearning which can do aught else than rob A to give to B; consequently all such plans nourish some of the meanest vices of human nature, waste capital, and…” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9b4/william-graham-sumner-5011_can-do_the-yearning-after-equality-in-economic_454035.jpg)
