QuoteProject
To have security against atomic bombs and against the other biological weapons, we have to prevent war, for if we cannot prevent war every nation will use every means that is at their disposal; and in spite of all promises they make, they will do it. At the same time, so long as war is not prevented, all the governments of the nations have to prepare for war, and if you have to prepare for war, then you are in a state where you cannot abolish war.
Albert Einstein
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Preventing war is essential for global security, as preparation for war contradicts the desire to abolish it.

In this quote, Albert Einstein emphasizes the paradox of war preparation: while nations claim to seek peace and security, the act of preparing for war inherently sustains a state of conflict. He argues that true security against dire threats such as atomic bombs and biological weapons can only be achieved by preventing war altogether. The cycle of fear and preparation for war perpetuates the very conflicts nations seek to avoid, making it imperative that war is addressed at its root to foster a peaceful future.

Themes

WarPeaceSecurityPreparationConflict

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about global stability, one might say, 'As Einstein noted, to have security against atomic weapons, we must first prevent war.'

More from Albert Einstein

I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
Albert EinsteinRead
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
Albert EinsteinRead
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
Albert EinsteinRead
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
Albert EinsteinRead
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
Albert EinsteinRead
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
Albert EinsteinRead

Similar quotes

If my desire is possible, it means the system is already letting something else through.
Helene CixousRead
Perhaps all our troubles - all the violence, obesity, illness, depression, and greed we can't overcome - began when we stopped living as Running People. Deny your nature, and it will erupt in some other, uglier way.
Christopher McdougallRead
The function of freedom is to free someone else.
Toni MorrisonRead
I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe, that the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction.
George WashingtonRead
Beauty makes idiots sad and wise men merry.
George Jean NathanRead
Socialism has never and nowhere been at first a working-class movement.
Friedrich August Von HayekRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.