Conferences Quote by Smedley Butler
“A few profit - and the many pay. But there is a way to stop it. You can't end it by disarmament conferences. You can't eliminate it by peace parleys at Geneva. Well-meaning but impractical groups can't wipe it out by resolutions. It can be smashed effectively only by taking the profit out of war.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Senate Committee on Military Affairs, 1935
War profits drive conflict; removing financial incentives can end wars.
In simple terms: War is funded by profit; cut the money, cut the war.
Key Takeaway
Eliminate profit motives in war.
Themes
war
economics
peace
politics
Mood
critical
serious
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- corporate regulation
- peace negotiations
- public awareness
Key Concepts
military‑industrial complex
profit motive
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reduce reliance on military spending?
- What alternatives to profit‑driven conflict exist?
A Different Perspective
Profit removal alone may not address ideological causes.
![“I know that some of the folks in the press are uptight about this [moving the press corps out of the West Wing ], and I understand. What we're - the only thing that's been discussed is whether or not the initial press conferences are going to be in that small press - and for the people listening…” quote by Reince Priebus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/940/reince-priebus-3623_conferences_i-know-that-some-of-the-folks-in-the-pre_23230.jpg)
