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Hiroshima and nagasaki Quote by Steven Pinker

“The only people who should be allowed to govern countries with nuclear weapons are mothers, those who are still breastfeeding their babies."--Tsutomu Yamaguchi, the only survivor of both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.” quote by Steven Pinker
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““The only people who should be allowed to govern countries with nuclear weapons are mothers, those who are still breastfeeding their babies."--Tsutomu Yamaguchi, the only survivor of both the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings.””

Steven Pinker

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Atlantic, 2015

Only those who nurture life intimately, like mothers, should wield ultimate destructive power, emphasizing empathy over aggression.

In simple terms: Mothers, as caretakers, should control nuclear weapons.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize empathetic leadership in high‑risk decisions.

Themes

ethics power parenthood

Mood

thoughtful serious critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • policy debates
  • military leadership
  • parental advocacy
  • peace negotiations

Key Concepts

Moral philosophy nuclear deterrence caretaking responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What qualities beyond empathy are needed for nuclear stewardship?
  • How can societies balance expertise with moral authority?
A Different Perspective

Mothers may lack political expertise; power is complex.

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