Activist Quote by Bertrand Russell
“One must expect a war between U.S.A. and U.S.S.R. which will begin with the total destruction of London. I think the war will last 30 years, and leave a world without civilised people, from which everything will have to build afresh-a process taking say 500 years. Stated just one month after the Hiroshima atomic explosion. Russell became one of the best-known antinuclear activists of his era.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on nuclear war, 1945
Predicts a catastrophic war between superpowers leading to massive destruction and a long rebuilding period
In simple terms: War will cause massive destruction and a long recovery
Advocate for nuclear disarmament and peace
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- peace activism
- global security
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can prevent such a war?
- How does fear shape policy?
The prediction may be exaggerated; diplomatic efforts can prevent war