Hugo Grotius

International Law Dutch 1583 – 1645 103 quotes

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

The right to trade is a natural right.

Mare Liberum (The Free Sea) 1609

The law of nations is a law of reason.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor.

General writings/correspondence

Liberty is a precious thing.

General writings/correspondence

The best way to avoid war is to be prepared for it.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The rights of man are inherent and inalienable.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The law of nations is a system of rules which reason dictates to be observed by all nations.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

Peace is the tranquility of order.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The foundation of all law is reason.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The law of nature is the law of God.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The rights of individuals are not to be sacrificed for the convenience of the state.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The law of nations is a universal law.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The duty of a ruler is to promote the welfare of his people.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The law of nations is based on the principle of humanity.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The pursuit of justice is a moral imperative.

General writings/correspondence

The law of nations is a living law, constantly evolving.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The rights of neutrals are to be respected.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The law of nations is a check on the arbitrary power of states.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The law of nations is a safeguard against tyranny.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625

The law of nations is a reflection of human reason and morality.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis (On the Law of War and Peace) 1625