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If you are going to try to go to war, or to prepare for…

“If you are going to try to go to war, or to prepare for war, in a capitalist country, you have got to let business make money out of the process or business won't work.” quote by Henry L. Stimson
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“If you are going to try to go to war, or to prepare for war, in a capitalist country, you have got to let business make money out of the process or business won't work.”

Henry L. Stimson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

In capitalist societies, war effort must be profitable for businesses or it collapses.

In simple terms: War needs profit to work in capitalism.

Key Takeaway

Ensure war industries are financially viable.

Themes

economics war capitalism business policy

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political economic

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • defense contracts
  • private sector involvement
  • public opinion
  • ethical debate

Key Concepts

profit motive military-industrial complex statecraft

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can profit be balanced with moral responsibility?
  • What safeguards prevent exploitation?
A Different Perspective

Profit focus can ignore human costs.

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