Competition in armament, both land and naval, is not only a terrible burden upon the people, but I believe it to be one of the greatest menaces to the peace of the world.
Frank B. KelloggRead
It is idle to say that nations can struggle to outdo each other in building armaments and never use them. History demonstrates the contrary, and we have but to go back to the last war to see the appalling effect of nations competing in great armaments.
Interpretation
Competing in arms leads to inevitable conflict and suffering.
This quote highlights the futility of nations striving to surpass one another in military armament without intending to use them. It reflects on historical lessons, emphasizing that such competition ultimately leads to war and devastation, as seen in past conflicts. The quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of militarization and the importance of peace over aggression.
In practice
In a speech about disarmament during a conference on international relations.
Competition in armament, both land and naval, is not only a terrible burden upon the people, but I believe it to be one of the greatest menaces to the peace of the world.
Excessive economic, social and cultural inequalities among peoples arouse tensions and conflicts, and are a danger to peace.
Each small task of everyday life is part of the total harmony of the universe.
All worldly pursuits have but one unavoidable and inevitable end, which is sorrow; acquisitions end in dispersion; buildings in destruction; meetings in separation; births in death. Knowing this, one should, from the very first, renounce acquisitions and storing-up, and building, and meeting; and, faithful to the commands of an eminent Guru, set about realizing the Truth. That alone is the best of religious observances.
The mere absence of war is not peace.
Men and women are sacrificed to the idols of profit and consumption: it is the 'culture of waste.' If a computer breaks it is a tragedy, but poverty, the needs and dramas of so many people end up being considered normal. ... When the stock market drops 10 points in some cities, it constitutes a tragedy. Someone who dies is not news, but lowering income by 10 points is a tragedy! In this way people are thrown aside as if they were trash.
In economic life and history more generally, just about everything of consequence comes from black swans; ordinary events have paltry effects in the long term.
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