In times of political tensions and international conflicts, the Latin phrase resonates strongly once again: “Si spacem, para bellum”. Although many people recognize it by seeing it engraved on weapons, films, or even on the skins of celebrities, its history dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries after Christ.
The phrase comes from the Roman writer and military man Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatowhich he included in his letter Compendium of Re MilitarisIt is a work that analyzed the strategies and principles of the Roman army. Literally translated it means “If you want peace, prepare for war”It summarizes one of the principles of military thought at the time, which was that only a strong and well-prepared state could avoid being attacked.
Vegetius emphasized that prevention is the surest path to stability. Preparing for conflict ensures respect for enemies and deters invasions. For the Roman Empire, this philosophy was a key political and military tool, which justified the constant training of its forces and its territorial expansion.
Throughout history, Many philosophers and political theorists have thought about the meaning of this principleand adapt them to their specific contexts. Niccolò Machiavelliin Prince (1532), he asserted that a wise ruler must always be prepared for war, even in times of peace, because “he who neglects his weapons loses his state.”
instead of, Immanuel Kant He placed himself in the opposite moral perspective. In his article Perpetual peace (1795), questioned the idea that preparation for war could lead to harmony and proposed cooperation between states as the path to true peace.
Centuries later, contemporary thinkers such as Michel Foucault and Hannah Arendt They have resigned themselves to the phrase socially and politically. Foucault linked it to the idea that every society maintains a perpetual “little war” in its power structure, while Arendt interpreted it as a reminder that violence can never be the legitimate means of achieving lasting peace.
Over time, “Si spacem, para bellum” It has been adopted in a large number of social and cultural contexts. Today it can be found at Tattoos, movies, video games, political speeches, and clothesas a statement of strength, determination, or endurance. Bands like Metallica or movies like John Wick 3 They have reclaimed the phrase to give it a new meaning of empowerment or rebellion.
Currently, according to the University of Guadalajara portal, this proverb can also be interpreted from a more symbolic and social perspective, since Preparing for war It doesn’t always mean using weapons, however Face daily struggles with strategy.
They stressed from the educational institution that “this war goes beyond weapons, prisoners, and deaths. It represents a deeper battle against the problems that rob the country of peace. It is a daily war against educational backwardness, against the absence of social values, against social equality, against the lack of economic prosperity, against personal interests, and against corruption.”
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