In "The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam," Barbara W. Tuchman explores the historical tendency of governments to pursue policies that are against their own interests. The book highlights various instances of folly throughout history, drawing connections between past events and contemporary issues. Tuchman emphasizes that, while America is a champion of liberty, it does not seek to intervene by uprooting foreign challenges that may be perceived as monsters. Instead, the country stands ready to support freedom wherever it is established.

The quote from John Quincy Adams underlines the American ethos of supporting liberty while rejecting imperialistic endeavors. This perspective suggests that the United States' role on the global stage should be one of encouragement and moral support rather than aggressive intervention. Tuchman’s analysis serves as a warning against the historical repetition of misguided policies and encourages a more thoughtful approach to foreign affairs by understanding the implications of actions taken in the name of liberty.