War is mankind's most tragic and stupid folly; to seek or advise its deliberate provocation is a black crime against all men.
Interpretation
War is a foolish and tragic mistake that harms humanity, and promoting it is a serious moral crime.
In this quote, Eisenhower emphasizes the futility and devastation of war, portraying it as a regrettable human folly. He argues that deliberately instigating conflict is not only senseless but also morally reprehensible, as it brings suffering to all humanity. This statement reflects a deeper philosophical stance on the value of human life and the ethical implications of seeking violence as a solution to disputes.
In practice
Using this quote in a speech about peace and conflict resolution.
If a man's associates find him guilty of being phony, if they find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.
The libraries of America are and must ever remain the home of free and inquiring minds. To them, our citizens-of all ages and races, of all creeds and persuasions-must be able to turn with clear confidence that there they can freely seek the whole truth, unvarnished by fashion and uncompromised by expediency.
You don't lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership.
When pressure mounts and strain increases everyone begins to show the weaknesses in his makeup. It is up to the Commander to conceal his: above all to conceal doubt, fear, and distrust.
Some years ago I became president of Columbia University and learned within 24 hours to be ready to speak at the drop of a hat, and I learned something more, the trustees were expected to be ready to speak at the passing of the hat.
I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its futility, its stupidity.
Conscience is the internal perception of the rejection of a particular wish operating within us.
The City is an addictive machine from which there is no escape
[about tabloid magazines] Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn't make it factual. To buy it is to feed it.
There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.
Occasionally the conflict between 'what we stand for' and 'what we do' has been forthrightly addressed.
If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you're needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.
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