"We have practiced diplomacy since the very..." - Quote by Colin Powell
We have practiced diplomacy since the very beginning of the nation. Sometimes it has not worked, and we've had to go to war. I always believe you should try to find peace and reconciliation before conflict. That has been the approach I've taken.
More by Colin Powell
“I have always held the view that decisive force should be used in addressing a military conflict. The reason is simple: Why wouldn't you, if you could?”
“The troops may whine and moan, but when they meet the standard, there's a sense of pride.”
“We are not going to dwell on those things that divide us. We are going to rejoice in those things that keep us together to make this a better country - to reach down and back to touch every young person in need!”
More on Diplomacy
“One of the proudest things of my three years in office is helping to restore a sense of respect for America around the world.”
“I am for free commerce with all nations; political connection with none; and little or no diplomatic establishment”
“It must be a peace without victory... Victory would mean peace forced upon the loser, a victor's terms imposed upon the vanquished. It would be accepted in humiliation, under duress, at an intolerable sacrifice, and would leave a sting, a resentment, a bitter memory upon which terms of peace would rest, not permanently, but only as upon quicksand. Only a peace between equals can last.”
More on Peace
“If you took this thing on yourself, unwilling, at others' asking, then you have pity and honour from me. And I marvel at you: to keep it hid and not to use it. You are a new people and a new world to me. Are all your kin of like sort? Your land must be a realm of peace and content, and there must gardners be in high hounour.”
“When you let go of the belief that you should or need to know who you are, what happens to confusion? Suddenly it is gone. When you fully accept that you don't know, you actually enter a state of peace and clarity that is closer to who you truly are than thought could ever be. Defining yourself through thought is limiting yourself.”
“Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none.”