What just cause can be found for the encounter of so many nations, or what hatred inspired them all to take arms against each other? It is proof that the human race lives for its kings, for it is at the mad impulse of one mind a slaughter of nations takes place, and at the whim of a haughty ruler that which nature has taken ages to produce perishes in a moment.Jordanes
About This Quote
The above quote is from Book I of Niccolo Machiavelli’s "The Prince," in which he discusses the causes of war. This quote is an example of what makes him such a great philosopher. He argues against the conventional wisdom of the time, which was that the pursuit of wealth led to war. He instead suggests that deceit, fear and ambition are more important factors than mere money.
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