Yes, we have had disarmament conferences and limitations…
““Yes, we have had disarmament conferences and limitations of arms conferences. They don't mean a thing. One has just failed; the results of another have been nullified. We send our professional soldiers and our sailors and our politicians and our diplomats to these conferences. And what happens? The professional soldiers and sailors don't want to disarm. No admiral wants to be without a ship. No general wants to be without a command. Both mean men without jobs. They are not for disarmament. They cannot be for limitations of arms. And at all these conferences, lurking in the background but all-powerful, just the same, are the sinister agents of those who profit by war. They see to it that these conferences do not disarm or seriously limit armaments.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Disarmament talks are ineffective because military leaders protect their own power and profit from war.
In simple terms: War conferences fail as soldiers and leaders protect jobs and profit.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind peace talks.
Themes
war
politics
economics
power
profit
Mood
skeptical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- peace negotiations
- defense budgeting
- public advocacy
Key Concepts
military-industrial complex
conflict of interest
policy
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Who truly benefits from continued armament?
- How can civilian voices influence disarmament?
A Different Perspective
May overlook genuine peace efforts.