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About this quote

What does it mean?
Einstein states that it is impossible to both prevent war and prepare for it simultaneously.
In plain terms
You cannot stop war and get ready for it at the same time.
What can you take from it?
Preparing for war undermines efforts to prevent it.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • defense strategy

Putting it to work

  • arms control
  • diplomacy

Questions to consider

  • Can peace be kept without defense?
  • Is preparation a form of aggression?

Another view

Preparation may be necessary to prevent conflict through deterrence.

More from Albert Einstein

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  3. Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.

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