Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace

Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was known for his strong stance on foreign policy and his belief in the importance of maintaining a strong military. One of his most famous quotes is, “Wars are, of course, as a rule to be avoided; but they are far better than certain kinds of peace.” This statement reflects Roosevelt’s belief that sometimes war is necessary in order to achieve a lasting peace.

Roosevelt understood that peace is not always easy to achieve and that sometimes it requires the use of force. He believed that there are certain situations where war is the only way to resolve conflicts and prevent further violence. In his view, a “certain kind of peace” refers to a false sense of security that can arise from avoiding conflict at all costs. This type of peace may be temporary and ultimately lead to more violence in the long run.

Roosevelt’s words are particularly relevant in today’s world, where conflicts continue to arise and threaten global stability. In some cases, diplomacy and negotiation may not be enough to resolve disputes, and military intervention may be necessary to protect innocent lives and uphold international law. While war should always be a last resort, Roosevelt believed that it is sometimes necessary in order to achieve a lasting peace.

Roosevelt’s words also highlight the importance of being prepared for war in order to prevent it. He believed that a strong military is essential for maintaining peace and deterring aggression from other nations. By being prepared for conflict, Roosevelt believed that the United States could avoid war altogether or at least minimize its impact.