I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
John F. KerryRead
You just don't, in the 21st century, behave in 19th-century fashion by invading another country on completely trumped up pre-text.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Invading a country under false pretenses is outdated and unacceptable.
This quote by John F. Kerry emphasizes that in modern times, particularly in the 21st century, nations should not engage in military invasions based on fabricated reasons. It reflects a call for more responsible and ethical behavior among governments, suggesting that such outdated practices are not appropriate in today's world, where diplomatic solutions should prevail over aggressive actions.
Themes
InvadeCountryPretext21St CenturyPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about foreign policy, this quote could illustrate the dangers of military intervention.
More from John F. Kerry
All quotes βConfronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid down in scriptures, clearly.
John F. KerryRead
Unlike Washington, which is stuck in ideological gridlock, Americans feel the impact of climate change in their own hometowns and they know something must be done.
John F. KerryRead
Here I am in the state of New Mexico. George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none. I like my chances.
John F. KerryRead
Democracy relies on free speech. Yes, say anything you want, but it relies even more on the speech being truthful. It is the truth, after all, that sets us free.
John F. KerryRead
War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity. And it should be a last resort.
John F. KerryRead
Similar quotes
Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.
Otto Von BismarckRead
Trump's victory clearly appears to stem from a sense of economic powerlessness, or a fear of losing power, among his supporters. To them, his simple slogan, 'Make America great again,' sounds like 'Make You great again': economic power will be given to the multitudes without taking anything away from the already successful.
Robert J. ShillerRead
The U.N. bureaucracy has grown to elephantine proportions. Now that the Cold War is over, we are asking that elephant to do gymnastics.
Madeleine AlbrightRead
The tank, the B-52, the fighter-bomber, the state-controlled police and military are the weapons of dictatorship. The rifle is the weapon of democracy. Not for nothing was the revolver called an "equalizer."
Edward AbbeyRead
The biggest lesson I learned from Vietnam is not to trust [our own] government statements.
J. William FulbrightRead
When you start talking about elections being rigged, you're pushing people beyond democratic governance. And it's a very, very dangerous thing to do.
Bruce SpringsteenRead