The stark and inescapable fact is that today we cannot defend our society by war since total war is total destruction, and if war is used as an instrument of policy, eventually we will have total war.
Lester B. PearsonRead
The choice, however, is as clear now for nations as it was once for the individual: peace or extinction.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nations face a critical decision between pursuing peace or facing their own demise.
Lester B. Pearson emphasizes that the imperative for nations today is as unequivocal as it has always been for individuals: they must choose between fostering peace or risking extinction. This quote suggests that the fate of nations hinges on their ability to prioritize harmonious relationships and cooperation over conflict and discord, underscoring the urgent need for diplomacy and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
Themes
PeaceNationsExtinctionChoiceDiplomacy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech advocating for international cooperation.
More from Lester B. Pearson
All quotes βTrue there has been more talk of peace since 1945 than, I should think, at any other time in history. At least we hear more and read more about it because man's words, for good or ill, can now so easily reach the millions.
Lester B. PearsonRead
Today the predatory state, or the predatory group of states, with power of total destruction, is no more to be tolerated than the predatory individual.
Lester B. PearsonRead
And I have lived since - as you have - in a period of cold war, during which we have ensured by our achievements in the science and technology of destruction that a third act in this tragedy of war will result in the peace of extinction.
Lester B. PearsonRead
The life of states cannot, any more than the life of individuals, be conditioned by the force and the will of a unit, however powerful, but by the consensus of a group, which must one day include all states.
Lester B. PearsonRead
We know now that in modern warfare, fought on any considerable scale, there can be no possible economic gain for any side. Win or lose, there is nothing but waste and destruction.
Lester B. PearsonRead
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