"War is much too serious a thing to be left to military men"
- Charles Maurice de Talleyrand
About this Quote
This quote by Charles Maurice de Talleyrand suggests that war is a serious matter that should not be left entirely to the discretion of military workers. He indicates that war needs to be a decision made by those in power, such as political leaders, instead of those in the military. This is due to the fact that war is a complicated concern that involves various elements, such as the political, economic, and social implications of a dispute. Talleyrand's quote suggests that war should be a decision made with careful factor to consider of all of these aspects, rather than a choice made exclusively by military workers. He implies that war should be a choice made by those in power who have the understanding and experience to make an informed choice. This quote highlights the value of having political leaders involved in the decision-making process when it pertains to war, as they are much better geared up to make choices that remain in the best interests of the people.
"Developments in information technology and globalised media mean that the most powerful military in the history of the world can lose a war, not on the battlefield of dust and blood, but on the battlefield of world opinion"
"We cannot continue to rely only on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives that we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded"
"After a shooting spree, they always want to take the guns away from the people who didn't do it. I sure as hell wouldn't want to live in a society where the only people allowed guns are the police and the military"
"We shall listen, not lecture; learn, not threaten. We will enhance our safety by earning the respect of others and showing respect for them. In short, our foreign policy will rest on the traditional American values of restraint and empathy, not on military might"
"The later it gets the more disturbed the city becomes. I go with Albert through the streets. Men are standing in groups at every corner. Rumours are flying. It is said that the military have already fired on a procession of demonstrating workers"
"Of course, there is no question that Libya - and the world - will be better off with Gaddafi out of power. I, along with many other world leaders, have embraced that goal, and will actively pursue it through non-military means. But broadening our military mission to include regime change would be a mistake"
