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The position in which we are now is a very strange one which in general political life never happened. Namely, the thing that I refer to is this: To have security against atomic bombs and against the other biological weapons, we have to prevent war, for if we cannot prevent war every nation will use every means that is at their disposal; and in spite of all promises they make, they will do it. At the same time, so long as war is not prevented, all the governments of the nations have to prepare for war, and if you have to prepare for war, then you are in a state where you cannot abolish war. This is really the cornerstone of our situation. Now, I believe what we should try to bring about is the general conviction that the first thing you have to abolish is war at all costs, and every other point of view must be of secondary importance.

Albert Einstein#42

PoliticsPeaceWarSecurityInternational relations

About this quote

What does it mean?
Einstein highlights the paradox of preparing for war to ensure security while realizing only abolishing war can provide true security.
In plain terms
You cannot prepare for war safely; you must abolish war to be secure.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize abolishing war over all other concerns for safety.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • defense policy
  • global governance

Putting it to work

  • arms control advocacy
  • peace treaties
  • disarmament campaigns

Questions to consider

  • Can peace be enforced?
  • Is war obsolete?

Another view

Abolishing war requires unprecedented global trust that is hard to achieve.

More from Albert Einstein

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