Principle 10 of 25
A Free People Must Maintain the Strength to Defend Themselves
“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.
The Principle
"To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace." — George Washington. Strength is more than might. It is courage to do what is right, wisdom to plan ahead, and care to protect what we value.
Why It Matters
The Founders were not warmongers. They were realists. They had fought a war for independence and understood that liberty must be defended to survive. Washington's counsel was practical: preparedness deters aggression, and weakness invites it.
National strength encompasses more than military power. It includes economic resilience, institutional integrity, civic knowledge, and the moral conviction to defend what matters. A nation that cannot defend itself is at the mercy of those who can.
The Question
What would you defend at any cost — and are you prepared to?
Discussion Questions
For families, classrooms, and book clubs
- 1
Why did Washington say preparedness preserves peace?
- 2
What forms of strength matter most for a nation beyond military power?
- 3
How does civic education contribute to national strength?