War is mankind’s most tragic and stupid folly; to seek or advise its deliberate provocation is a black crime against all men. Though you follow the trade of the warrior, you do so in the spirit of Washington — not of Genghis Khan. For Americans, only threat to our way of life justifies resort to conflict.

Dwight David Eisenhower (1890–1969) American general, US President (1953–61)

Speech, Graduation Exercises, US Military Academy, West Point (3 Jun 1947)