"The grim fact is that we prepare for war like precocious giants, and for peace like retarded pygmies"
- Lester B. Pearson
About this Quote
This quote by Lester B. Pearson is a plain suggestion of the imbalance in the way we prepare for war and peace. It recommends that we are excessively eager to get ready for war, investing vast quantities of resources and energy into it, while we are far less passionate about getting ready for peace. We resemble "precocious giants" when it comes to war, however "retarded pygmies" when it concerns peace. This quote highlights the need for us to invest more in peace-building initiatives and to take a more proactive approach to preventing dispute. It is a suggestion that we should aim to produce a more serene world, rather than depending on war as an option to our problems.
"When the principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then the battle is your calling, and peace has become sin. You must at the price of dearest peace lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy with all the fire of your faith"