...it [is] possible to suppose that, if Russia is allowed to have peace, an amazing industrial development may take place, making Russia a rival of the United States.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Russell speculates that if Russia were allowed peace, it could develop industry so rapidly that it would rival the United States.
- In plain terms
- Peace could trigger rapid industrial growth in Russia, making it a US rival.
- What can you take from it?
- Stability can unleash economic development.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What other factors affect industrial growth?
- Can peace alone drive a nation to superpower status?
Another view
The claim assumes peace automatically leads to industrial success, which may not hold.
More from Bertrand Russell
It is preoccupation with possession, more than anything else, that prevents men from living freely and nobly.
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