War is only a cowardly escape from the problems of peace.
—Thomas Mann, 1954
I cease not to advocate peace. It may be on unjust terms, but even so it is more expedient
than the justest of civil wars.
—Cicero, *44 BC
The most disadvantaged peace is better that the most just war.
—Erasmus, 1508
***
[Many] go to war because they don’t want to be a hero.
—Tom Stoppard, 1972
Unhappy is the land that needs heroes.
—Bertold Brecht, 1939
As a rule, heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass
of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.
—Ernest Renan, 1878
If my soldiers were to begin to think, not one would remain in the ranks.
—Frederick the Great
4
War will never cease until babies begin to come into the world with larger cerebrums and
smaller adrenal glands.
—H. L. Mencken, 1956
I’m glad I didn’t have to fight in any war.
I’m glad I didn’t have to pick up a gun.
I’m glad I didn’t get killed or kill somebody.
I hope my kids enjoy the same lack of manhood.
—Tom Hanks, 1998
***
You can’t say that civilization don’t advance, however, for in every war they kill you in a
new way.
—Will Rogers, 1929
Who desires peace, should prepare for war.
—Vegetius, fourth century AD
5
4
As quoted, without a date, by J. A. Houlding in 1981.
5
This infamous advice (sometimes seconded by scientists —see the next quote) was followed by
governments of all countries for almost two millennia. Now we know the disastrous results of the
resulting arms race all too well.
On War and Peace
185
—Thomas Mann, 1954
I cease not to advocate peace. It may be on unjust terms, but even so it is more expedient
than the justest of civil wars.
—Cicero, *44 BC
The most disadvantaged peace is better that the most just war.
—Erasmus, 1508
***
[Many] go to war because they don’t want to be a hero.
—Tom Stoppard, 1972
Unhappy is the land that needs heroes.
—Bertold Brecht, 1939
As a rule, heroism is due to a lack of reflection, and thus it is necessary to maintain a mass
of imbeciles. If they once understand themselves the ruling men will be lost.
—Ernest Renan, 1878
If my soldiers were to begin to think, not one would remain in the ranks.
—Frederick the Great
4
War will never cease until babies begin to come into the world with larger cerebrums and
smaller adrenal glands.
—H. L. Mencken, 1956
I’m glad I didn’t have to fight in any war.
I’m glad I didn’t have to pick up a gun.
I’m glad I didn’t get killed or kill somebody.
I hope my kids enjoy the same lack of manhood.
—Tom Hanks, 1998
***
You can’t say that civilization don’t advance, however, for in every war they kill you in a
new way.
—Will Rogers, 1929
Who desires peace, should prepare for war.
—Vegetius, fourth century AD
5
4
As quoted, without a date, by J. A. Houlding in 1981.
5
This infamous advice (sometimes seconded by scientists —see the next quote) was followed by
governments of all countries for almost two millennia. Now we know the disastrous results of the
resulting arms race all too well.
On War and Peace
185