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This is a time for action - not for war, but for mobilization of every bit of peace machinery. It is also a time for facing the fact that you cannot use a weapon, even though it is the weapon that gives you greater strength than other nations, if it is so destructive that it practically wipes out large areas of land and great numbers of innocent people. (16 April 1954 )

Eleanor Roosevelt#44

PeaceEthicsWarInternational relationsSafetyWeapons

About this quote

What does it mean?
Peaceful mobilization is necessary while recognizing the limits of destructive weapons.
In plain terms
Use peaceful means instead of weapons that destroy innocent lives.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize peaceful solutions over destructive weapons.

Where it applies

  • diplomacy
  • military policy
  • peace activism

Putting it to work

  • advocate disarmament
  • support diplomatic treaties
  • fund peacekeeping

Questions to consider

  • Is war ever justified?
  • How do we balance security and safety?

Another view

Deterrence sometimes relies on threat of force for security.

More from Eleanor Roosevelt

  1. The mobilization of world opinion and methods of negotiation should be developed and used by every nation in order to strengthen the United Nations. Then if we…

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  2. If the use of leisure time is confined to looking at TV for a few extra hours every day, we will deteriorate as a people. (5 November 1958)

    Permalink to quote #45
  3. What is going on in the Un-American Activities Committee worries me primarily because little people have become frightened and we find ourselves living in the …

    Permalink to quote #42

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