# Origin of quotation relating to dangers of war **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 22, 2019, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-quotation-relating-to-dangers-of-war/834377 "2019-05-22T20:58:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2019, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-quotation-relating-to-dangers-of-war/834377/1 "2019-05-22T20:58:35Z")
Many years ago, I heard someone use a quote to the effect of: Do not charge into war, because the decision to go to war, and the decision to end war, are usually not made by the same person. I think it could be from a Roman statesman or philosopher, but not totally sure. Does this ring any bells with anyone? ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2019, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-quotation-relating-to-dangers-of-war/834377/2 "2019-05-23T11:45:32Z")
Machiavelli has a similar but slightly different quote in that it removes the key element about the different people: _Wars begin when you will, but they do not end when you please._ ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2019, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/origin-of-quotation-relating-to-dangers-of-war/834377/3 "2019-05-23T14:34:52Z")
> [@Ludovic](#): > > Machiavelli has a similar but slightly different quote in that it removes the key element about the different people: > > _Wars begin when you will, but they do not end when you please._ That’s pretty close. Thank you!