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

Sovereign rights end where another's begin.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

The study of history teaches the folly of ambition.

Parallelon Rerum 1601

Faith without reason is blind devotion.

De Veritate Religionis Christianae 1627

Liberty is the birthright of every rational being.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

The ocean's bounty is for all to share.

Mare Liberum 1609

Wisdom lies in knowing when to speak and when to be silent.

Personal Reflection 1615

Nations must honor their promises as sacred oaths.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

The path to peace is paved with mutual respect.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

In the forum of conscience, no one is above the law.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

Exile from one's country is exile from one's soul.

Letter to Family 1632

The law of retaliation must be tempered by mercy.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

Reason governs the intercourse of states as it does individuals.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

True sovereignty is exercised for the common good.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

The free navigation of rivers benefits all bordering lands.

Mare Liberum 1609

Philosophy illuminates the darkness of civil strife.

Prison Writings 1619

Ambition unchecked leads to the ruin of empires.

Parallelon Rerum 1601

Christian charity extends to the laws of war.

De Veritate Religionis Christianae 1627

The rights of ambassadors are inviolable under all circumstances.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625

Life's greatest lesson is to endure with patience.

Personal Correspondence 1640

Neutrality in war demands impartial justice.

De Jure Belli ac Pacis 1625