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Quotes about war and peace

540 quotes from 231 people

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I propose to fight it out on this line, if it takes all summer.
Ulysses S. Grant1822–1885Dispatch to Washington, during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (11 May 1864)
No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works.
Ulysses S. Grant1822–1885To General S.B. Buckner, Fort Donelson (16 February 1862)
The cause of the great War of the Rebellion against the United States will have to be attributed to slavery.
Ulysses S. Grant1822–1885Personal Memoirs of General U. S. Grant (1885), Conclusion
- Slavery
Patriotism, in the trenches, was too remote a sentiment, and at once rejected as fit only for civilians, or prisoners. A new arrival who talked patriotism would soon be told to cut it out.
Robert Graves1895–1985Goodbye to All That (1929), Ch. 17
- Patriotism
People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.
RGRichard Grenierborn 1952Often credited to George Orwell
There are no borders in this struggle to the death.
Che Guevara1928–1967Afro-Asian Conference (1965)
To win the War, to overcome the enemy upon the fields cannot alone ensure the Victory in Peace.
Haile Selassie1892–1975V. E. Day proclamation (8 May 1945)
Here, in this Assembly, reposes the best — perhaps the last — hope for the peaceful survival of mankind.
Haile Selassie1892–1975Address to the United Nations (1963)
- Hope
Conflicts between nations will continue to arise. The real issue is whether they are to be resolved by force, or by resort to peaceful methods and procedures, administered by impartial institutions.
Haile Selassie1892–1975Address to the United Nations (1963)
The rights of neutrality will only be respected, when they are defended by an adequate power. A nation, despicable by its weakness, forfeits even the privilege of being neutral.
Alexander Hamilton1757–1804The Federalist Papers (1787–1788), No. 11
- Power
When the sword is once drawn, the passions of men observe no bounds of moderation.
Alexander Hamilton1757–1804The Federalist Papers (1787–1788), No. 16: The Insufficiency of the Present Confederation to Preserve the Union
My argument is that War makes rattling good history; but Peace is poor reading.
Thomas Hardy1840–1928The Dynasts (1904–1908), Pt. II, sc. v, Spirit Sinister
- History
Wars will remain while human nature remains. I believe in my soul in cooperation, in arbitration; but the soldier’s occupation we cannot say is gone until human nature is gone.
Rutherford B. Hayes1822–1893Diary (11 August 1890)
War is a cruel business and there is brutality in it on all sides.
Rutherford B. Hayes1822–1893Letter to Lucy Webb Hayes, whose cousin was a prisoner and died at Andersonville prison (2 July 1864)
We’re going to go on offense, not just on defense, maximum lethality, not tepid legality, violent effect, not politically correct.
Pete Hegsethborn 1980“Trump’s throwback to ‘Department of War’ signals a retreat from modern world into past glory” Independent (September 5, 2025)