William Graham Sumner War Quotations

The great force for forging a society into a solid mass has always been war.

We live in a war of two antagonistic ethical philosophies, the ethical policy taught in the books and schools, and the success policy.

If America becomes militant, it will be because its people choose to become such; it will be because they think that war and warlikeness are desirable.

If you want war, nourish a doctrine. Doctrines are the most frightful tyrants to which men ever are subject...

If you want a war, nourish a doctrine. Doctrines are the most frightful tyrants to which men are ever subject, because doctrines get inside a man's reason and betray him against himself. Civilized men have done their fiercest fighting for doctrines.

A wiser rule would be to make up your mind soberly what you want, peace or war, and then to get ready for what you want; for what we prepare for is what we shall get.

I have lived through the best years of this country's history. The next generations are going to see war and social calamities. I am glad I don't have to live on into them.