Agreement Quote by Linus Pauling
“Nations keep agreements, keep their treaties so long as they continue to do them good.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Nature of Science, Linus Pauling, 1970
Treaties are honored only while they remain beneficial to the parties involved.
In simple terms: People keep agreements when they see advantage.
Key Takeaway
Assess mutual benefit before committing.
Themes
diplomacy
trust
mutual benefit
pragmatism
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- trade negotiations
- environmental accords
- alliances
Key Concepts
international relations
game theory
contract law
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives keep treaties alive?
- How to balance short‑term gain vs. long‑term trust?
A Different Perspective
Self‑interest may undermine long‑term stability.
![“[Professor Pauling] confesses that he had harboured the feeling that sooner or later he would be the one to get the DNA structure; and although he was pleased with the double-helix, he 'rather wished the idea had been his'.” quote by Linus Pauling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d71/linus-pauling-8508_dna_professor-pauling-confesses-that-he-had_319556.jpg)
