Quote by Ronald Reagan
Regimes planted by bayonets do not take root... Our military strength is a prerequisite to peace, but let it be clear we maintain this strength in the hope it will never be used, for the ultimate determinant in the struggle that's now going on in the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas, a trial of spiritual resolve, the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish, the ideals to which we are dedicated.
Summary
This quote emphasizes that military strength is essential for maintaining peace, but it should be primarily seen as a deterrent rather than a tool for aggression. The idea is that authoritarian regimes imposed through force do not have a lasting impact, and true power lies in the strength of shared values and ideals. The speaker suggests that the ultimate battle taking place in the world is one of ideologies and determination, highlighting the importance of spiritual resolve and the unwavering commitment to the principles and beliefs that we hold dear.