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Si vis pacem, para bellum ( if you want peace, prepare for war) by Roman writer Flavious Renatus Vegetius
Is it true? It doesn't say a lot about us and our famous empathy.
I can't avoid thinking about if we need a Human Rights declaration is bc our human nature is evil.
GwydionFrost · 56-60, M
This is one of those cases where Roman Fortune Cookie quotes get misunderstood, because they decided to go "haiku" in writing style. Also, back then, in context, this implied something totally different.

Consider that back then, the most common method to conquer was to sack cities. This meant sieges-- where the city is isolated, and continuously attacked, until the food and water inside the city runs out, and either the city surrenders, or things get... complicated (starving populations seem to have less concern over who's in charge vs. eating).

So, preparing for war...? Meant having a city with a full store of feed and water, and a means to defend itself from those who would destroy it. This also had a lovely side effect-- fat and happy populations don't overthrow their governments, either. ;)
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GwydionFrost · 56-60, M
@BurstMe95 *sigh* Let's try context, shall we...? This quote is from Book III of De re militari (Latin "Concerning Military Matters"). The third book, Tertius liber omnia artium genera, quae terrestri proelio necessaria uidentur, exponit, sets forth all types of arts that appear to be necessary for fighting on land. It contains a series of military maxims, which became influential to military learning of commanders in later medieval Europe. Some of the maxims may be mentioned here as illustrating the principles of a war for limited political objectives with which he deals:

1. "All that is advantageous to the enemy is disadvantageous to you, and all that is useful to you, damages the enemy"

2. "the main and principal point in war is to secure plenty of provisions for oneself and to destroy the enemy by famine. Famine is more terrible than the sword."

3. "No man is to be employed in the field who is not trained and tested in discipline"

4. "It is better to beat the enemy through want, surprises, and care for difficult places (i.e., through manoeuvre) than by a battle in the open field"

5. "Let him who desires peace prepare for war," also paraphrased as si vis pacem, para bellum ("If you want peace, prepare for war")

Please note maxim 2, as it leaves no doubt as to the phrase in proper context. It is not about being aggressive and hostile towards others, it's about being invulnerable to harm from them.
twistermind · 51-55, F
@GwydionFrost Thank you for your clarification.
OKWTF2 · 51-55, M
Freedom is never free.
To stay free people will fight, kill and die.

Right now in this world if you are not prepared for those three things you will still die and lose your freedom. Peace under the rule of something that takes away freedom will never be acceptable. War is not chosen, but always needs to be prepared for, sadly.
twistermind · 51-55, F
@OKWTF2 Thank you.
Cierzo · M
Kim Jong Un is proving it right.
It is in our human grupal nature, I think. Taken one by one, there are better people than others, but in my opinion more or them lean to the good side.
However, when we are in a group, the lowest common denominator, the easiest way to do things, comes out. And fighting is easier than agreeing
twistermind · 51-55, F
@Cierzo I understand you.
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twistermind · 51-55, F
@BurstMe95 But, the most part of people who die are inocents.
Everyone wants to be in control.
twistermind · 51-55, F
@Spoiledbrat We are greedy.

 
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