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Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master
Demosthenes
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Be careful in trying to prevent conflict, as it may lead to a loss of freedom.

This quote by Demosthenes warns against the dangers of excessive caution in avoiding war. In the quest for peace and the avoidance of conflict, there is a risk of submitting to oppression or tyrannical control, effectively becoming a master’s servant rather than maintaining one's autonomy.

Themes

WarFreedomAnxietyMasterCaution

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate on national security, one might use this quote to illustrate the risks of compromising individual freedoms.

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