Hugo Grotius
A Dutch jurist and philosopher, considered the father of international law, whose 'On the Law of War and Peace' laid the groundwork for modern international legal principles.
Quotes by Hugo Grotius
Among the many benefits that accrue from the study of history, this is one of the most important, that it teaches us how to live.
Natural law is a dictate of right reason, which points out that an act, according to whether it is or is not in conformity with rational nature, has in it a quality of moral baseness or moral necessity; and that in consequence, such an act is either forbidden or enjoined by God, the author of nature.
Even if there were no God, or if God did not concern himself with human affairs, the principles of natural law would still be valid.
War ought not to be undertaken except for the enforcement of rights; and when undertaken, it should be carried on only within the bounds of law and good faith.
The law of nations is that which has received its obligatory force from the will of all nations, or of many nations.
The sea, by nature, is common to all.
No part of the human race is so savage that it cannot be reached by the voice of reason.
Justice is the mother of all virtues.
The true end of war is peace.
The right of self-defense is a natural right.
Treaties are to be observed.
The law of nations is a law of peace, not of war.
The purpose of punishment is not revenge, but correction and deterrence.
The state is a perfect body of free men, united for the enjoyment of rights and for their common benefit.
Ignorance of the law excuses no one.
The law of nature is immutable, even by God himself.
The right of innocent passage through the territory of another is a natural right.
The law of nations is founded on the consent of nations.
The common good is the supreme law.
The law of war is not a license for cruelty.