"When they are preparing for war, those who rule by force speak most copiously about peace until they have completed the mobilization process"

This quote by Stefan Zweig talks to the hypocrisy of those in power who use rhetoric of peace to mask their true intents. It recommends that those in power, who rule by force, will typically speak of peace and diplomacy till they have completed the process of mobilizing for war. This implies that those in power are not really thinking about peace, however rather utilize it as a tool to further their own program. It also recommends that those in power want to use deception and manipulation to attain their goals. This quote works as a reminder that we must watch out for those in power and their rhetoric of peace, as it might not always be genuine. We should be aware of the capacity for deception and adjustment, and be alert in our pursuit of real peace.