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About this quote

What does it mean?
Cromwell suggests that military strength is the most effective form of diplomacy and representation.
In plain terms
Soldiers or warriors make better representatives than diplomats.
What can you take from it?
Force often speaks louder than words in international relations.

Where it applies

  • political strategy
  • international relations
  • military history

Putting it to work

  • consider military roles in diplomacy
  • evaluate power dynamics

Questions to consider

  • Is force the best way to negotiate?
  • What makes a good ambassador?

Another view

This view overlooks the value of negotiation and soft power.

More from Oliver Cromwell

  1. Mr. Lely, I desire you would use all your skill to paint my picture truly like me, and not flatter me at all; but remark all these roughnesses, pimples, warts,…

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  2. He who stops being better stops being good.

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  3. It is not my design to drink or to sleep, but my design is to make what haste I can to be gone.

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