The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Deterrence
History teaches that wars begin when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.
Ronald Reagan Address to the Nation and Other Countries on United States-Soviet Relations · 1984

Quotes

“The greatest danger of all would be to do nothing.”

John F. Kennedy · Address During The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962 · Primary source

“There is no merit in putting off a war for a year if, when it comes, it is a far worse war or one much harder to win.”

Winston Churchill · The Second World War, 1948-1953 · Primary source

“There is no merit in putting off a war for a year if, when it comes, it is a far worse war or one much harder to win.”

Winston Churchill · The Second World War, 1948-1953 · Primary source

“If the law is too mild, private vengeance comes in.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson · Compensation, 1841 · Primary source

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

John F. Kennedy · Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy, 1961 · Primary source

“For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”

John F. Kennedy · Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy, 1961 · Primary source

“We will not prematurely or unnecessarily risk the costs of worldwide nuclear war in which even the fruits of victory would be ashes in our mouth—but neither will we shrink from that risk at any time it must be faced.”

John F. Kennedy · Address During The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962 · Primary source

“The 1930’s taught us a clear lesson: aggressive conduct, if allowed to go unchecked and unchallenged ultimately leads to war.”

John F. Kennedy · Address During The Cuban Missile Crisis, 1962 · Primary source

“The United States, as the world knows, will never start a war. We do not want a war. We do not now expect a war. This generation of Americans has already had enough—more than enough—of war and hate and oppression. We shall be prepared if others wish it. We shall be alert to try to stop it. But we shall also do our part to build a world of peace where the weak are safe and the strong are just. We are not helpless before that task or hopeless of its success.”

John F. Kennedy · Commencement address at American University, 1963 · Primary source

“He who does not punish evil commands it to be done.”

Leonardo da Vinci · The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, 1888 · Primary source

Works

Ronald Reagan · 1984
Address to the Nation and Other Countries on United States-Soviet Relations

Reagan sets out his approach to United States-Soviet relations, calling for reduced arms, improved dialogue and peaceful competition based on realism, strength and negotiation.

Read summary·Explore 1 quotes

Related Tags

Aggression 3 Cost of war 1 Prevention 3 Statecraft 2 Timing 3 Appeasement 6 Strategic delay 2 Risk assessment 5 Vengeance 1 Law enforcement 1 Public order 1 Legal authority 1 Cold War 30 Liberty 8 Alliances 3 Foreign policy 1 Military strength 1 Defence policy 1 Strategic stability 2 Nuclear war 1 Cuban Missile Crisis 7 Escalation 1 Risk management 5 1930s 1 Inaction 2 Risk 27 Decision-making 30 Peace 8 Justice 9 International responsibility 1 Accountability 15 Punishment 2 Wrongdoing 1 Responsibility 27 Arms control 1 Nuclear disarmament 2 US-Soviet relations 1