We have learned that peace and well-being are indivisible and that our peace and well-being cannot be purchased at the price of peace or the well-being of any other country.
James F. ByrnesRead
I hope that the German people will never again make the mistake of believing that because the American people are peace-loving, they will sit back hoping for peace if any nation uses force or the threat of force to acquire dominion over other peoples and other governments.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of active resistance against force and tyranny rather than passively hoping for peace.
James F. Byrnes expresses the belief that a peace-loving nation should not assume that its peaceful intentions will prevent aggression from others. He warns that passivity in the face of threats can lead to oppression, and it is crucial for nations, particularly those committed to peace, to be prepared to stand against those who seek power through force.
Themes
PeaceForceTyrannyFreedomResistance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about international relations, one might quote Byrnes to emphasize the need for vigilance in maintaining peace.
More from James F. Byrnes
All quotes →What we want is a lasting peace. We will oppose soft measures which invite the breaking of the peace.
James F. ByrnesRead
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