The whole history of the world is summed up in the fact that, when nations are strong, they are not always just, and when they wish to be just, they are no longer strong.

Summary

This quote suggests that throughout history, there is a conflict between strength and justice when it comes to nations. It highlights the irony that when nations are powerful, they often prioritize their own interests and may not act in a just manner. On the other hand, when nations desire to be fair and just, they sometimes weaken themselves or lose their strength. This observation implies a delicate balance between power and morality, suggesting that achieving both strength and justice simultaneously is a rare and challenging task for nations.

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