“Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace.”
- October 27, 1858 – January 6, 1919
- American
- Politician, military officer
- Served as the 26th President of the United States, promoted progressive reforms and environmental conservation policies, and supported the construction of the Panama Canal
table of contents
Quote
“Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace.”
Explanation
In this quote, Roosevelt acknowledges that while war should generally be avoided due to its devastating consequences, there are situations where certain forms of peace—particularly those that result from appeasement or surrendering principles—are even worse than conflict itself. Roosevelt implies that some types of peace, where nations or societies give in to aggression, tyranny, or injustice in order to avoid war, ultimately lead to a more dangerous and harmful outcome than standing up and fighting for what is right. In this sense, Roosevelt champions moral courage and strength to face adversaries, believing that a just war can sometimes be preferable to a cowardly peace that compromises values and freedoms.
Roosevelt’s leadership during his presidency reflected this philosophy, especially in his approach to foreign policy. He believed in the strength of American ideals and the necessity of military readiness to defend those ideals. His famous slogan, “Speak softly and carry a big stick,” suggests that while diplomacy is important, the willingness to use force when necessary is essential for protecting peace and justice. Roosevelt understood that standing up to tyranny or aggression—whether in the form of military intervention or political action—was sometimes essential to preserve long-term peace and stability.
This quote resonates today in discussions about international relations and military intervention. It underscores the importance of standing firm against authoritarianism, injustice, or oppression, even when the consequences of doing so may seem daunting. Roosevelt’s words remind us that not all peace is beneficial, and sometimes courageous action is necessary to prevent a far worse outcome, particularly when faced with unjust aggressors or the threat of global instability.
