I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
John F. KerryRead
War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity. And it should be a last resort.
Interpretation
What this quote means
War is justifiable only when it is absolutely necessary and after all other options have been exhausted.
John F. Kerry emphasizes that war should not be initiated lightly or as a preference; rather, it must be seen as a last resort when all diplomatic avenues have failed and the necessity for conflict is undeniable. This perspective encourages a responsible approach to international relations and a commitment to peace whenever possible.
Themes
WarNecessityLast ResortPeaceDiplomacy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about conflict resolution, one might quote, 'War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity.'
More from John F. Kerry
All quotes βConfronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid down in scriptures, clearly.
John F. KerryRead
Unlike Washington, which is stuck in ideological gridlock, Americans feel the impact of climate change in their own hometowns and they know something must be done.
John F. KerryRead
Here I am in the state of New Mexico. George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none. I like my chances.
John F. KerryRead
Democracy relies on free speech. Yes, say anything you want, but it relies even more on the speech being truthful. It is the truth, after all, that sets us free.
John F. KerryRead
I can't take my Catholic belief, my article of faith, and legislate it on a Protestant or a Jew or an Atheist. We have separation of church and state in the United States of America.
John F. KerryRead
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I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence. I would rather have India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness to her own dishonour. But I believe that nonviolence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment.
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Let your tears roll tonight, but tomorrow you will start the battle again. What defeats us, always, is just our own sorrow.
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