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.
Interpretation
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.
In practice
In a speech about global stability, one might say, 'As Einstein noted, to have security against atomic weapons, we must first prevent war.'
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.
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
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.
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.
Life is just a schoolroom with a glorious opportunity to prepare us for eternity.
Human beings were put on the planet to depend upon their Creator and to worship their Creator at every point in every sphere of culture.
If there is no element of asceticism in our lives, if we give free rein to the desires of the flesh (taking care of course to keep within the limits of what seems permissible to the world), we shall find it hard to train for the service of Christ. When the flesh is satisfied it is hard to pray with cheerfulness or to devote oneself to a life of service which calls for much self-renunciation.
Intelligence flourishes only in the ages when belief withers.
I can believe things that are true and things that aren't true and I can believe things where nobody knows if they're true or not.
I call that man awake who, with conscious knowledge and understanding, can perceive the deep unreasoning powers in his soul, his whole innermost strength, desire and weakness, and knows how to reckon with himself.
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