There is nothing more agreeable in life than to make peace with the establishment and nothing more corrupting.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
Bismarck fought 'necessary' wars and killed thousands, the idealists of the twentieth century fight 'just' wars and kill millions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the nature of war, contrasting practical and idealistic motivations behind conflicts.
A. J. P. Taylor's quote highlights the grim realities of warfare, suggesting that while historical leaders like Bismarck justified their military actions as necessary, the idealists of the twentieth century, in pursuit of 'just' causes, resulted in greater destruction and loss of life. This reflects a cynical view on the motivations behind wars and raises questions about morality and the true cost of conflict.
Themes
WarIdealismNecessityPhilosophyConflict
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on military interventions, this quote can be used to question the moral justification of war.
More from A. J. P. Taylor
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In 1917 European history, in the old sense, came to an end. World history began. It was the year of Lenin and Woodrow Wilson, both of whom repudiated the traditional standards of political behaviour. Both preached Utopia, Heaven on Earth. It was the moment of birth for our contemporary world.
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Though the object of being a Great Power is to be able to fight a Great War, the only way of remaining a Great Power is not to fight one.
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If there had been no troublemakers, no Dissenters, we should still be living in caves.
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He was what I often think is a dangerous thing for a statesman to be - a student of history; and like most of those who study history, he learned from the mistakes of the past how to make new ones.
A. J. P. TaylorRead
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