There is nothing more agreeable in life than to make peace with the establishment and nothing more corrupting.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
Though the object of being a Great Power is to be able to fight a Great War, the only way of remaining a Great Power is not to fight one.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True power lies in restraint and diplomacy rather than in conflict.
A. J. P. Taylor emphasizes that while being a Great Power often involves the capacity to engage in warfare, true sustained power is achieved by avoiding such conflicts. This reflects the idea that wisdom and effective governance are demonstrated not through military might, but through the ability to navigate complex situations peacefully and strategically.
Themes
PowerRestraintDiplomacyWarPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on international relations, one might quote this to illustrate the importance of diplomatic solutions over military interventions.
More from A. J. P. Taylor
All quotes βThe male clerk with his quill pen and copper-plate handwriting had gone for good. The female short-hand typist took his place. It was a decisive moment in women's emancipation.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
In 1917 European history, in the old sense, came to an end. World history began. It was the year of Lenin and Woodrow Wilson, both of whom repudiated the traditional standards of political behaviour. Both preached Utopia, Heaven on Earth. It was the moment of birth for our contemporary world.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
If there had been no troublemakers, no Dissenters, we should still be living in caves.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
Bismarck fought 'necessary' wars and killed thousands, the idealists of the twentieth century fight 'just' wars and kill millions.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
He was what I often think is a dangerous thing for a statesman to be - a student of history; and like most of those who study history, he learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
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