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Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defence can actually be just.
Marcus Tullius Cicero
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Wars are only just if they are fought in response to aggression or for defensive purposes.

This quote by Cicero emphasizes the moral implications of war, suggesting that conflicts can only be justified when they are provoked or necessary for self-defense. It presents a framework for evaluating the legitimacy of wars, highlighting that acts of violence must stem from a genuine need to respond to aggression rather than a desire for revenge or unprovoked aggression itself.

Themes

WarJusticeProvocationDefensePhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about the moral implications of military intervention, you could use this quote to underscore the need for justified causes.

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