"Some pacifists have carried the sound idea of the prime importance of security too far, to the point of declaring that any consideration of disarmament is superfluous and pointless as long as eternal peace has not been attained"
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Ludwig Quidde's quote critiques a specific perspective within pacifism concerning disarmament and security. Quidde identifies a subset of pacifists who focus on security to such a level that they dismiss the significance of disarmament till "everlasting peace" is attained. This stance, according to Quidde, extends a "sound idea"-- the vital role of security-- to an unrealistic extreme, implying that any factor to consider of disarmament is useless in the lack of total, long-lasting peace.
By explaining the idea as "sound", Quidde acknowledges that the emphasis on security is rational and required. Security is undoubtedly a primary issue because, without a steady and protected environment, efforts towards peace can be easily undermined. However, Quidde alerts versus taking this idea to an "severe" where the pursuit of disarmament is viewed as moot up until peace is absolute-- a situation that may never ever develop without the proactive steps that disarmament represents.
Quidde's review suggests that awaiting "everlasting peace" before thinking about disarmament is a paradoxical approach. Disarmament can be a crucial element in the journey toward peace, as it decreases the impending danger of conflict and can construct trust among countries or groups. By dismissing disarmament efforts prematurely, these pacifists might unintentionally sustain the very state of insecurity they wish to transcend.
In addition, the quote underscores the complexity of accomplishing peace, which is not merely the absence of war however an ongoing procedure involving numerous techniques, including diplomacy, dialogue, and certainly, disarmament. Quidde's commentary pushes for a more well balanced view that sees disarmament as both a goal and a means towards achieving wider peace. His insight serves as a reminder that perfects should guide practical, incremental actions instead of ending up being a barrier to progress. By promoting discussion about the subtleties inherent in peace and security, Quidde motivates thoughtful engagement with disarmament as a vital step toward a safer, more peaceful world.
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