It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us in peace. Were one half of mankind brave and one cowards, the brave would be always beating the cowards. Were all brave, they would lead a very uneasy life; all would be continually fighting; but being all cowards, we go on very well.
In James Boswell 'The Life of Samuel Johnson' (1791) vol. 3, p. 326 (28 April 1778)