Quote by Lewis H. Lapham
The more prosperous and settled a nation, the more readily it tends to think of war as a regrettable accident; to nations less fortunate the chance of war presents itself as a possible bountiful friend.
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Summary
This quote suggests that the perception of war varies depending on the prosperity and stability of a nation. In prosperous nations, war is seen as a regrettable occurrence, something to be avoided if possible. However, in less fortunate nations, war may be perceived as a potential opportunity, a means to gain resources or improve their condition. Essentially, the quote highlights how different circumstances can shape the way nations perceive and approach the idea of war.