If you must break the law, do it to seize power: in all other cases observe it.
Julius CaesarRead
War gives the right to the conquerors to impose any condition they please upon the vanquished.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the nature of power dynamics in war, highlighting how victors can dictate terms to the defeated.
In this quote, Julius Caesar emphasizes the harsh realities of warfare and its aftermath, suggesting that the victors in a conflict can impose their will on the losers without regard for justice or fairness. This perspective on conquest underscores the often brutal and arbitrary nature of power, showcasing how morality can be overshadowed by might, as the conqueror creates conditions and rules for the conquered, regardless of their previous rights or claims.
Themes
WarPowerConquestVictorMoralityConditions
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a history class to discuss the implications of military victories throughout history.
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What we wish, we readily believe, and what we ourselves think, we imagine others think also.
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