"The stark and inescapable fact is that today we cannot defend our society by war since total war is total destruction, and if war is used as an instrument of policy, eventually we will have total war"

Lester B. Pearson, a Canadian diplomat and politician who played a significant function in global affairs throughout the mid-20th century, provides a profound reflection on the futility and risk of war as a tool for solving conflicts. This statement is rooted in the context of the Cold War, a duration marked by the looming threat of nuclear warfare.

The phrase "overall war is total damage" underscores the existential danger positioned by contemporary warfare. In previous ages, wars were ravaging but often localized and limited in their immediate worldwide impact. However, with the development of nuclear weapons and advanced military innovation, the principle of "total war"-- a war in which a nation uses all readily available resources and weapons-- became synonymous with the possibility of annihilation on a scale extraordinary in human history. Pearson highlights that in an overall war scenario, where nuclear toolboxes could be totally released, the result would be devastating and indiscriminate destruction, eliminating both civilians and contenders, and leaving absolutely nothing to secure or reconstruct.

Additionally, Pearson warns against using war as an "instrument of policy". He suggests that depending on military options for political and ideological conflicts undoubtedly sets a course towards escalation. If diplomacy and peaceful negotiation are sidelined in favor of militaristic methods, the reasoning of conflict will spiral into an arms race, leading ultimately to a total war. This progression would be detrimental and self-destructive, defeating the really purpose of protecting society.

Pearson's quote acts as a cautionary pointer of the requirement for diplomacy, global cooperation, and peacebuilding efforts. By acknowledging the restrictions and threats of war, especially in the nuclear age, countries are motivated to pursue alternative means of resolving disputes, fostering a stable and safe worldwide society. His insights remain pertinent as they call for renewed commitment to peace and the avoidance of war's disastrous potential.