Quote by Ambrose Bierce
The slightest acquaintance with history shows that powerful republics are the most warlike and unscrupulous of nations.
Summary
This quote suggests that throughout history, powerful republics have displayed a tendency towards being involved in wars and exhibiting a lack of ethical boundaries. It implies that the pursuit of power often leads these nations to engage in conflicts as a means of expanding their influence. By asserting that acquaintance with history is enough to recognize this pattern, the quote emphasizes that this behavior is not rare or isolated, but rather a consistent characteristic.