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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the dangers of technological advancements in warfare and the risk of mutual destruction.
Lester B. Pearson's quote highlights the paradox of living in an era of scientific and technological progress that simultaneously equips humanity with the means for destruction. He suggests that despite achievements and advancements, the continuous threat of conflict could lead to a devastating conclusion—complete extinction—as the ultimate result of warfare.
Themes
WarTechnologyDestructionPeaceExtinction
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing the impact of nuclear weapons during a peace conference.
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.
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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
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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