War and peace
idea · 3 works · 3 mentions · 7 anchored passages
war · peace · active service · battle · declaration of war · expedition · fighting · observing the peace · peaceful · truce
in the texts
On the Chersonese
The contested policy frame through which Athens considers Philip's aggression and its own defense.
I often wonder at the sort of speeches that are delivered here, but nothing, men of Athens, has surprised me more than what I heard uttered in the Council the other day, that your advisers are bound to put before you the plain alternative of fighting or observing the peace.
If you do this, and if you are really in earnest about it, you will either compel Philip to keep the peace fairly and to abide within his own frontiers—and that would be the greatest blessing of all—or you will fight him on equal terms.
But the fact is, if Philip keeps quiet and does not retain any of our territory contrary to the terms of peace, and does not form a general coalition against us, there is nothing more to be said and we must simply observe the peace, and I perceive a readiness to do so on your part at any rate;
To Nicocles
War and peace are treated through preparedness, avoidance of unjust aggression, security, and honorable risk.
Be warlike in your knowledge of war and in your preparations for it, but peaceful in your avoidance of all unjust aggression.
Put forth every effort to preserve your own and your state’s security, but if you are compelled to risk your life, choose to die with honor rather than to live in shame.
Hiero
The opposition of peace and war, with despotism portrayed as a continual private war and good security as a path to peace.
And must not those who possess a standing force impose on border states a strong desire for peace?
but despots are never at peace with the people subject to their despotism, and no truce can ever make a despot confident.
Thus, for instance, if peace is held to be a greatest blessing to mankind, very little of it falls to the share of despots: