I hope...that mankind will at length, as they call themselves reasonable creatures, have reason and sense enough to settle their differences without cutting throats; for in my opinion there never was a good war, or a bad peace.

More from Benjamin Franklin

• He's a fool that makes his doctor his heir.
• It is hard for an empty bag to stand upright.
• The honest man takes pains, and then enjoys pleasures; the knave takes pleasure, and then suffers pain.
• They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.
• They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty or safety.
• Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.