Nations Quote by Ronald Reagan
“A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. The only value in our two nations possessing nuclear weapons is to make sure they will never be used. But then would it not be better to do away with them entirely?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to the Nation on Nuclear Disarmament, 1982
Argues nuclear war is unwinnable; possessing nukes deters use, yet total elimination would be ideal for global safety.
In simple terms: Nuclear war can’t be won; best to eliminate nukes.
Key Takeaway
Pursue disarmament negotiations.
Themes
peace
security
ethics
global politics
nuclear weapons
Mood
serious
hopeful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- international treaties
- defense strategy
- public diplomacy
Key Concepts
deterrence theory
mutual assured destruction
disarmament policy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is total nuclear abolition realistic?
- What steps can reduce nuclear risks?
A Different Perspective
Complete disarmament faces verification and compliance challenges.
![“When the fountains of government [borrowing] abundance began to dry up, when through lack of funds and the impossibility of negotiating fresh loans the state was forced to check the extension of bureaucracy and to put a stop to public works, then and then only did the Italians realize what it…” quote by John T. Flynn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/908/john-t-flynn-18493_abundance_when-the-fountains-of-government-borrowi_2663.jpg)