“The only excuse for war is that we may live in peace unharmed.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“The only excuse for war is that we may live in peace unharmed.”
Explanation
This quote sets forth a strict moral standard for the justification of war, declaring that war is only defensible when its purpose is to secure a lasting and safe peace. Cicero argues that violence should never be pursued for glory, revenge, or conquest, but solely to protect the conditions necessary for peaceful life. This reflects a deeply ethical and restrained view of warfare, where peace is the ultimate goal, not the aftermath of domination.
As a statesman and philosopher deeply concerned with justice and the rule of law, Cicero believed that war must be governed by reason and morality, not by passion or ambition. In his work De Officiis (On Duties), he outlines the principles of just war theory, which heavily influenced later thinkers. This quote encapsulates his conviction that war is a failure of dialogue and diplomacy, and can only be justified as a last resort to defend peace and safety.
In contemporary international relations, Cicero’s perspective resonates strongly with modern principles of humanitarian intervention and defensive warfare. It cautions against militarism and urges that any resort to violence must be weighed against the peace it seeks to achieve. His words serve as a timeless reminder that the true measure of a just war lies not in victory, but in whether it restores the conditions of a just and secure peace.
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