QuoteProject
It is heroic to prepare for war with a tyrant power. Patriots will always win the admiration of mankind for daring to meet the bloodshed of battle for their country's liberty. But the patriot who is willing to go to that sacrifice will be the first to condemn the aimless and secret shedding of blood in time of peace.
John Boyle O'Reilly
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote highlights the nobility of fighting for freedom while condemning unnecessary violence during peace.

John Boyle O'Reilly emphasizes the significance of courage and patriotism in the fight against tyranny. He acknowledges that while it is commendable to prepare for war in defense of one's country, true patriots also recognize the importance of condemning the reckless loss of life that occurs during peacetime through violence and bloodshed without purpose.

Themes

PatriotismBloodshedWarTyrannySacrificePeace

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech at a memorial service for veterans.

More from John Boyle O'Reilly

For all time to come, the freedom and purity of the press are the test of national virtue and independence. No writer for the press, however humble, is free from the burden of keeping his purpose high and his integrity white.
John Boyle O'ReillyRead
And we who have toiled for freedom's law, have we sought for freedom's soul? Have we learned at last that human right is not a part but the whole?
John Boyle O'ReillyRead
Put least trust in him who is foremost to praise you, nor judge of a road till it draw to the end.
John Boyle O'ReillyRead

Similar quotes

I was assigned boy at birth but I have always known I was a girl.
Geena RoceroRead
Every tiny molecule of Ash is in motion with my heat I am such a Lunatic that I am free even in Jail.
Bhagat SinghRead
I'm always fearful. … Fear generates in you a huge energy. You can use it. When I feel that mounting fear, I think, 'Oh, yes, there it is!' It's like petrol.
Judi DenchRead
I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished if we don't take any chances at all.
Charles LindberghRead
And if I know anything at all, it's that a wall is just a wall and nothing more at all. It can be broken down.
Assata ShakurRead
I discovered that wearing the veil is not suitable for a woman who wants to work in activism and the public domain. People need to see you, to associate and relate to you. It is not stated in my religion to wear the veil; it is a traditional practice, so I took it off.
Tawakkol KarmanRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.