Many things which nature makes difficult become easy to the man who uses his brains.
HannibalRead
I have come not to make war on the Italians, but to aid the Italians against Rome.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Hannibal's quote reflects a desire to help the oppressed rather than to instigate conflict.
In this quote, Hannibal expresses his intentions not to wage war against the Italians, who he sees as victims of the greater power of Rome. Instead, he aims to support them in their struggle against Roman dominance, suggesting a perspective that values liberation over aggression, and highlights the complexity of warfare where allegiances and motivations can be rooted in compassion rather than mere conquest.
Themes
WarAidItalyRomeHannibalOppressionLiberation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a historical lecture about military strategy and motivations.
More from Hannibal
All quotes βI am not carrying on a war of extermination against the Romans. I am contending for honor and empire. My ancestors yielded to Roman valour. I am endeavouring that others, in their turn, will be obliged to yield to my good fortune, and my valour.
HannibalRead
I will either find a way or make one.
HannibalRead
Similar quotes
Meditation is not 'going somewhere;' it's diving deep here, this moment.
Sri Sri Ravi ShankarRead
There is a principle which is pure, placed in the human mind, which in different places and ages hath had different names. It is, however, pure and proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to no forms of religion nor excluded from any, where the heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever this takes root and grows, of what nation soever, they become brethren in the best sense of the expression.
John WoolmanRead
Unfortunately for ethical egoism, the claim that we will all be better off if every one of us does what is in his or her own interest is incorrect. This is shown by what are known as "prisoner's dilemma" situations, which are playing an increasingly important role in discussions of ethical theory... At least on the collective level, therefore, egoism is self-defeating - a conclusion well brought out by Parfit in his aforementioned Reasons and Persons.
Peter SingerRead
Who are we, if not measured by our impact on others?
Carl SaganRead
It was like certain dinners I remember from the war. There was much wine, an ignored tension, and a feeling of things coming that you could not prevent happening. Under the wine I lost the disgusted feeling and was happy. It seemed they were all such nice people.
Ernest HemingwayRead
The business of America is not business. Neither is it war. The business of america is justice and securing the blessings of liberty.
George WillRead