--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If America becomes militant, it will be…" description: "\"If America becomes militant, it will be because its people choose to become such; it will be because they think that war and warlikeness are desirable...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95c/william-graham-sumner-5011_america_if-america-becomes-militant-it-will-be-b_1635110.png" --- # If America becomes militant, it will be because its people… ![“If America becomes militant, it will be because its people choose to become such; it will be because they think that war and warlikeness are desirable.” quote by William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95c/william-graham-sumner-5011_america_if-america-becomes-militant-it-will-be-b_1635110.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95c/william-graham-sumner-5011_america_if-america-becomes-militant-it-will-be-b_1635110.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/95c/william-graham-sumner-5011_america_if-america-becomes-militant-it-will-be-b_1635110.png) > “If America becomes militant, it will be because its people choose to become such; it will be because they think that war and warlikeness are desirable.” [William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-graham-sumner/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Society may turn militaristic when its citizens view war as attractive and desirable. **In simple terms:** People choose war if they think it’s good. Key Takeaway Beware glorifying war. Themes militarism public opinion war societal values Mood cautious critical Type analytical political When to use this quote - political debates - media analysis - public policy - education programs Key Concepts sociology political psychology Questions to Reflect On - How do cultural narratives shape attitudes toward conflict? - What alternatives promote peace? 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Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [If you want war, nourish a doctrine. Doctrines are the most frightful tyrants to which men ever are subject...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-graham-sumner/if-you-want-war-nourish-a-doctrine-doctrines-are-the-most-frightful/) [William Graham Sumner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-graham-sumner/) > [“It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge. War endures. As well ask men what they think of stone. War…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cormac-mccarthy/it-makes-no-difference-what-men-think-of-war-said-the-judge-war/) [Cormac McCarthy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cormac-mccarthy/) > [I think war should be illegal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-engel/i-think-war-should-be-illegal/) [Richard Engel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-engel/) > [Rich people never go to war. 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