Niccolo Machiavelli Quotes

I think that war is diplomacy by other means, for sure, and there have been wars that have been fought for righteous reasons. There are wars that have had to be fought, and there will probably continue to be.

A sane person doesn't think war is a good idea. I'm not a pacifist. I feel that there are situations where fighting is inescapable, but we don't go looking for those things.

You may not like to go to war, but war will come to you.

We believe in peace, but we are not pacifists. Sometimes we have to use force

The preemptive use of force has always been part of international law.

Unless a nation's life faces peril, war is murder.

While war is never anyone first choice, sometimes it is a necessary choice.

War is regarded as nothing but the continuation of state policy with other means.

I’m not opposed to all wars; just dumb wars.

Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here!

Force should never be the first answer, but sometimes it is the only answer.

The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility.

We must begin by acknowledging the hard truth: We will not eradicate violent conflict in our lifetimes. There will be times when nations—acting individually or in concert—will find the use of force not only necessary but morally justified.

The United States will never take part in an aggressive war.

War, in our country, ought never to be resorted to but when it is clearly justifiable and necessary; so much so as not to require the aid of logic to convince our understanding nor the ardour of eloquence to inflame our passions. There are many reasons why this country should never resort to it but for causes the most urgent and necessary.

War is the science of destruction.

Nothing can justify war.

Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace.

We wanted this war and now we've got it, and I'm not sure that we know what to do with it.

In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention.

If there is no direct threat why are we invading?

I feel like war should occur only for the most vital and necessary reasons, and only then.

War is not an exercise of the will directed at an inanimate matter.

He said that if we were going to have a war, they would never be the first ones to start it.

Anyone who thinks must think of the next war as they would of suicide.