For the love of God, for the love of your children and of the civilization to which you belong, cease this madness. You are mortal men. You are capable of error. You have no right to hold in your hands - there is no one wise enough and strong enough to hold in his hands - destructive power sufficient to put an end to civilized life on a great portion of our planet.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Kennan pleads with political leaders to stop their dangerous power struggles as they lack the wisdom to control destructive military capabilities.
- In plain terms
- Stop the dangerous power struggles because leaders are not wise enough to control destructive weapons.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid power struggles when life is at stake.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who holds power responsibly?
- Can we survive without nuclear deterrence?
Another view
Some argue strong power is needed to prevent worse outcomes.
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