Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum: A Phrase with Multiple Definitions and Facets
Si vis pacem, para bellum is a Latin expression translated as if you want peace, prepare for war. A version of the idea in early works such as Plato’s Nomoi Laws conveyed a similar message. The expression comes from the writer Publius Flavius Vegetius Rentus. Publius referenced the phrase in a book he wrote titled Epitoma Rei Militaris. This phrase had numerous definitions and facets. The definitions may differ depending on the languages and the time period when the phrase used, but all have the same general meaning. Still used today, a popular phrase with many facets used throughout history by many military leaders.
Throughout history, the phrase developed different versions, used by different leaders and even phrased differently. Andrew Carnegie the leader of the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century and a leading philanthropist in the United States and the British Empire and also is often identified as one of the richest people ever. He also presided over the National Arbitration and Peace Congress in 1907. With the increased militarism of Nazi Germany and other Axis powers and that perhaps being …show more content…
He was a founding member of the German Peace Society. He wrote a book in 1915 called J’Accuse which was an anti-war book condemning the views and actions of the Central Powers. In response to J’Accuse message, Germany banned the book. Fortunately, the book survived German persecution, as numerous translations were in publication into many languages. He moved to Switzerland and in 1918, he wrote again citing the speech by Woodrow Wilson “The world must be safe for democracy” which he read April 2, 1917 before congress. In his writing Grelling says: in place of si vis pacem para bellum a similarly sounding principle ... may become a necessity: Si vis pacem, fac bellum. Which means if you want peace, make
Si vis pacem, para bellum is a Latin expression translated as if you want peace, prepare for war. A version of the idea in early works such as Plato’s Nomoi Laws conveyed a similar message. The expression comes from the writer Publius Flavius Vegetius Rentus. Publius referenced the phrase in a book he wrote titled Epitoma Rei Militaris. This phrase had numerous definitions and facets. The definitions may differ depending on the languages and the time period when the phrase used, but all have the same general meaning. Still used today, a popular phrase with many facets used throughout history by many military leaders.
Throughout history, the phrase developed different versions, used by different leaders and even phrased differently. Andrew Carnegie the leader of the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century and a leading philanthropist in the United States and the British Empire and also is often identified as one of the richest people ever. He also presided over the National Arbitration and Peace Congress in 1907. With the increased militarism of Nazi Germany and other Axis powers and that perhaps being …show more content…
He was a founding member of the German Peace Society. He wrote a book in 1915 called J’Accuse which was an anti-war book condemning the views and actions of the Central Powers. In response to J’Accuse message, Germany banned the book. Fortunately, the book survived German persecution, as numerous translations were in publication into many languages. He moved to Switzerland and in 1918, he wrote again citing the speech by Woodrow Wilson “The world must be safe for democracy” which he read April 2, 1917 before congress. In his writing Grelling says: in place of si vis pacem para bellum a similarly sounding principle ... may become a necessity: Si vis pacem, fac bellum. Which means if you want peace, make