My dynamite will sooner lead to peace than a thousand world conventions. As soon as men will find that in one instant, whole armies can be utterly destroyed, they surely will abide by golden peace.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The threat of overwhelming destruction might deter war more than diplomatic meetings. Fear of total loss could enforce peace.
- In plain terms
- Fear of total destruction might stop war better than treaties.
- What can you take from it?
- Fear of consequences can enforce peace better than treaties.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can peace be forced by fear?
- What ensures true security?
Another view
Reliance on destruction is risky and can escalate conflict.
More from Alfred Nobel
If I have a thousand ideas and only one turns out to be good, I am satisfied.
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