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The great Powers of the world today as they look at the armaments they have built up, find themselves hopelessly frustrated. If that be the case, what is the use of speaking about first-class, second-class and third-class Powers? That is surely the wrong language to use. It does not comply with contemporary reality. What we have to seek is new ways of being great, new modes of pioneering, new fashions of thought, new means of inspiring and igniting the minds of mankind. We can do so.

Aneurin Bevan#22

PoliticsLeadershipPeaceGlobalInnovation

About this quote

What does it mean?
Bevan urges nations to redefine greatness beyond military power and find new ways to inspire humanity.
In plain terms
Countries should stop judging themselves by weapons and start inspiring people instead.
What can you take from it?
True leadership comes from innovation and inspiration, not military force.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • diplomacy
  • leadership development

Putting it to work

  • promote cultural exchange
  • reduce military spending

Questions to consider

  • How do we redefine national success?
  • What inspires people globally?

Another view

Military strength may still be necessary for security in some contexts.

More from Aneurin Bevan

  1. Sir Anthony Eden has been pretending that he is now invading Egypt in order to strengthen the United Nations. Every burglar of course could say the same thing,…

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  2. I knew this morning that I was going to make a speech that would offend, and even hurt, many of my friends. I know that you are deeply convinced that the actio…

    Permalink to quote #23
  3. I know that the right kind of leader for the Labour Party is a kind of desiccated calculating-machine who must not in any way permit himself to be swayed by in…

    Permalink to quote #20

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