Thomas Jefferson

“It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.”

“The most successful war seldom pays for its losses.”

“I have seen enough of one war never to wish to see another.”

“War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.”

“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.”