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 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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The existence of states is determined by collective agreement rather than the power of any single entity.
This quote by Lester B. Pearson emphasizes that the dynamics of political states are not dictated by the strength or will of one individual or powerful entity. Instead, it highlights the importance of collective consensus among all states, suggesting that true governance and stability arise from collaboration and mutual agreement rather than unilateral power. In a global context, this idea underlines the necessity for international cooperation to address global issues.
Themes
PoliticsConsensusCooperationStatesCollectivePower
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about international relations, this quote can illustrate the necessity of cooperation among states.
More from Lester B. Pearson
All quotes →True 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
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
It would be especially tragic if the people who most cherish ideals of peace, who are most anxious for political cooperation on a wider than national scale, made the mistake of underestimating the pace of economic change in our modern world.
Lester B. PearsonRead
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