“The Nation which indulges towards another
an habitual hatred, or an habitual fondness,
is in some degree a slave.
It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection,
either of which is sufficient to lead it astray
from its duty and interest. Antipathy in one
nation against another disposes each more readily to offer
insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage,
and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental
or trifling occasions of dispute occur. Hence frequent collisions,
obstinate, envenomed and bloody contests.
The Nation, prompted by ill will and resentment, sometimes
impels to war the Government, contrary to the best
calculations of policy. The Government sometimes
participates in the national propensity, and adopts through
passion what reason would reject; at other times,
it makes the animosity of the nation subservient to
projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition and
other sinister and pernicious motives. The peace often,
sometimes perhaps the liberty, of Nations has been the victim.”
George Washington.
Excerpt from “The Farewell Address”.
Islander.