Second quote of the day: "Si vis pacem, para bellum"

The saying "If you want peace, prepare for war" is a slightly modified version of an idea first expressed by the Roman military writer Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus in the prologue of Book III of his Latin military treatise, Epitoma Rei Militaris (also known as De Re Militari) which is believed to have been published between 384 AD and 389 AD, 

Vegetius didn't use the exact Latin or English words given above which are the form in which we most often hear or see the quote used today. 

His original text reads:"Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." which translates into English as “Therefore, he who desires peace, let him prepare for war.”

Over time, this phrasing was shortened into the famous proverb used today: in Latin,

"Si vis pacem, para bellum" 

or in English

"If you want peace, prepare for war."




















The context is that Vegetius wrote the treatise during a period when the Roman army's traditional strength and discipline were heavily decaying.

His quote wasn't meant to promote violence or warmongering.

Instead, he was arguing for military deterrence—the idea that a state can best preserve peace and prevent invaders by maintaining an army so disciplined and strong that no enemy would dare attack it.

What Vegetius wrote in the fourth century is still true today.

That's why the Conservatives, who had already appointed James Cartlidge MP as shadow Secretary of State for Defence, have now also appointed Stuart Anderson MP as shadow minister for War Readiness.


 



















Meanwhile Reform UK still do now have a Defence spokesman. You could see no clearer evidence that they are not a serious party, ready for government.

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