Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus, better known as Vegetius, was a Roman writer who lived during the Later Roman Empire. Very little is known about the man except what he wrote about himself in his two surviving works. These two works are Epitoma rei militaris and Digesta Artis Mulomedicinae.
The Epitoma focused primarily on military organization and how to handle events that occurred during war. In the Epitoma Vegetius stated Si vis pacem, para bellum, which translated meant If you wish for peace, prepare for war. (Historical accounts)
Admiral Lance Cartwright considered the book one of his favorites and kept a copy of the Epitoma in his office at Starfleet Headquarters. As a young Cadet Valeris read the Epitoma as well in her study of human history. When confronted by Admiral Cartwright about a paper she wrote about Federation-Klingon relations, Valeris quoted Vegetius in justifying her attitudes regarding the Klingons, impressing the Admiral. Cartwright then revealed that he felt as she did about the Klingons, and convinced her to assist him in his covert efforts to neutralize the Klingons. In exchange for her help Cartwright kept the Vulcan's paper out of circulation so it wouldn't damage her career. (TOS novel: Cast No Shadow)