Those who cling to the untrue doctrine that violence never settles anything would be advised to conjure up the ghosts of Napoleon Bonaparte and of the Duke of Wellington and let them debate it. The ghost of Hitler could referee, and the jury might well be the Dodo, the Great Auk, and the Passenger Pigeon. Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor, and the contrary opinion is wishful thinking at its worst. Nations and peoples who forget this basic truth have always paid for it with their lives and freedoms.

Summary

This quote conveys the perspective that violence, despite being condemned and often seen as an ineffective means of resolution, has historically played a significant role in shaping outcomes. The writer suggests that those who deny violence's influence on history should consider the examples of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Duke of Wellington, both renowned military leaders. With the hypothetical involvement of Adolf Hitler as referee and extinct species as the jury, the quote argues that violence has had a greater impact on historical events than any other factor. Neglecting this reality, the quote warns, has led nations and peoples to suffer grave consequences.

Topics