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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Predatory entities, whether states or individuals, pose an unacceptable threat to society and must be confronted.
In this quote, Lester B. Pearson highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the dangers posed by aggressive and harmful entities, whether they be individual aggressors or entire states that wield destructive power. He asserts that just as society cannot tolerate harmful individuals, it must also not permit states that exhibit predatory behavior, calling for collective responsibility and action against such threats to ensure peace and security.
Themes
PredatoryStateDestructionToleranceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech addressing international relations, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for global unity against oppressive regimes.
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
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
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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