There's always a temptation, in the middle of a long struggle, to seek the quiet life, to escape the duties and problems of the world, and to hope the enemy grows weary of fanaticism and tired of murder. This would be a pleasant world, but it's not the world we live in. The enemy is never tired, never sated, never content with yesterday's brutality. This enemy considers every retreat of the civilized world as an invitation to greater violence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Avoid seeking easy escapes from global struggles since enemies remain active.
- In plain terms
- Do not hope enemies get tired; fight continuously.
- What can you take from it?
- Stay committed to long struggles; expect persistent threats.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How to fight endless struggles?
- When does war end?
Another view
This view may justify endless conflict without clear exit strategies.
More from George W. Bush
Any government that chooses to be an ally of terror has also chosen to be an enemy of civilization.
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Permalink to quote #349 Because free peoples believe in the future, free peoples will own the future.
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