Believe Quote by Steven Pinker
“Some people believe that the nuclear bomb should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, since it scared the major powers away from war by equating it with doomsday.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker, 2018
The nuclear bomb’s deterrent effect is seen as a peace‑keeping force, but rewarding it with a peace prize is morally contradictory.
In simple terms: The bomb may prevent war but is destructive.
Key Takeaway
Consider the ethics of deterrence.
Themes
peace
war
ethics
deterrence
politics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- international relations
- military ethics
- public discourse
Key Concepts
nuclear strategy
morality
peace prizes
Questions to Reflect On
- Is preventing war worth the moral cost?
- Can peace be built on threat?
A Different Perspective
Deterrence does not equate to peace; it sustains fear.
