Defence Quote by Pearl S. Buck
““All scientific effort must now be concentrated in the area of defence (sic). We have learned our lesson. We, the most civilized of people, have been misled by our own sages through the last four thousand years. We are now over-civilized in a world of barbaric peoples. WE were taught centuries ago that war is not the pastime of a civilized people. We stopped the development of explosive weapons a thousand years ago, on the ground that it was inhuman and monstrous to kill innocent people. Let warriors fight with broadswords and kill each other, we said, but others who are innocent must not die by accident. Therefore, though we understood the principles of rocketry, we did not allow it to be used. Even gunpowder was used only in fireworks. We felt secure in our place under heaven, the centre of a protective ring of subject peoples, beyond whose borders we did not penetrate. Who could have imagined that those outer barbarians would themselves develop atomic bombs and rocket weapons and all manner of deadly chemicals?””
About This Quote
Civilized societies have neglected defense innovation, leading to vulnerability against barbaric threats.
In simple terms: Neglecting defense makes civilization vulnerable.
Key Takeaway
Balance peace with preparedness for emerging threats.
Themes
defense
civilization
technology
history
security
Mood
cautious
analytical
concerned
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- policy planning
- military training
- public education
Key Concepts
strategic studies
political theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies stay peaceful yet secure?
- What ethical limits should guide defense tech?
A Different Perspective
Over‑emphasis on defense can fuel conflict.
