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We invite this Congress, and through it the scientists of the world and the general public, to subscribe to the following resolution: 'In view of the fact that in any future world war nuclear weapons will certainly be employed, and that such weapons threaten the continued existence of mankind, we urge the governments of the world to realize, and to acknowledge publicly, that their purpose cannot be furthered by a world war, and we urge them, consequently, to find peaceful means for the settlement of all matters of dispute between them.'

Bertrand Russell#186

WarPeaceNuclearPolicyNuclear weapons

About this quote

What does it mean?
Russell calls for a resolution urging governments to acknowledge that nuclear war threatens humanity and to pursue peaceful dispute settlement.
In plain terms
Nuclear war must be avoided; seek peace.
What can you take from it?
Adopt treaties that ban nuclear conflict.

Where it applies

  • international diplomacy
  • arms control talks

Putting it to work

  • draft anti‑war resolutions
  • support disarmament initiatives

Questions to consider

  • How can public pressure influence nuclear policy?
  • What alternatives exist to deterrence?

Another view

National security concerns often dominate over disarmament goals.

More from Bertrand Russell

  1. There lies before us, if we choose, continual progress in happiness, knowledge, and wisdom. Shall we, instead, choose death, because we cannot forget our quarr…

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  2. Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering …

    Permalink to quote #187
  3. Most of us are not neutral in feeling, but, as human beings, we have to remember that, if the issues between East and West are to be decided in any manner that…

    Permalink to quote #184

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