In such a situation, there is neither doubt nor difficulty; the first rudiments of reason will determine the choice, for if peace can be procured with more advantages than even a conquest can be obtained, he must be an idiot indeed that hesitates.
Arguing for a rational approach to conflict during the American Revolution, this quote asserts that only an irrational person would hesitate to choose peace over costly conquest.
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The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.
The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?
He must now show that every one in the line of hereditary succession was a Solomon, or his title is not good to be a king.