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Atomic bomb Quote by Malcolm Forbes

“It is a damned sight easier to start wars than to end them. This truth has been stated for as long and as often as it has been ignored. High time and thank God, we are at least moving toward de-escalation in Vietnam. The road to extrication will be long, painful, bitter. But it must be trod. We…” quote by Malcolm Forbes
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“It is a damned sight easier to start wars than to end them. This truth has been stated for as long and as often as it has been ignored. High time and thank God, we are at least moving toward de-escalation in Vietnam. The road to extrication will be long, painful, bitter. But it must be trod. We are so bogged down in Vietnam that we cannot respond effectively anywhere else in the world to a military power play except through atomic bombardment.”

Malcolm Forbes

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public address, 1970s, on Vietnam war

Starting wars is far easier than ending them; de‑escalation is painful but necessary.

In simple terms: War is easy to start, hard to stop; peace requires effort.

Key Takeaway

Support diplomatic solutions over military action.

Themes

war peace politics history ethics

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

historical political

When to use this quote

  • peace negotiations
  • public protests
  • foreign policy reviews
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

realpolitik moral responsibility conflict resolution

Questions to Reflect On

  • What steps can reduce the likelihood of future wars?
  • How can societies heal after conflict?
A Different Perspective

Peace processes are often stalled by entrenched interests and mistrust.

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