Quote by Ambrose Bierce
The slightest acquaintance with history shows that powerful republics are the most warlike and unscrupulous of nations.
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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.