"A man cannot govern a nation if he cannot govern a city; he cannot govern a city if he cannot govern a family; he cannot govern a family unless he can govern himself; and he cannot govern himself unless his passions are subject to reason"
"By undertaking many things, I have accomplished nothing."
Source: Hugo Grotius on the Law of War and Peace: Student Edition.
About the author
Hugo Grotius
Philosopher
Hugo Grotius was a Dutch jurist and philosopher, known for his foundational work in international law and natural rights, particularly in 'On the Law of War and Peace.'
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More quotes by Hugo Grotius
"Men rush to arms for slight causes, or no cause at all, and once taken up there is no longer any respect for law, divine or human."
"A state is a perfect body of free men, united together to enjoy common rights and advantages."
"I saw in the whole Christian world a license of fighting at which even barbarous nations might blush. Wars were begun on trifling pretexts or none at all, and carried on without any reference of law, Divine or human."
"Liberty is the power that we have over ourselves."
"Even God cannot make two times two not make four."