"Until the last great war, a general expectation of material improvement was an idea peculiar to Western man. Now war and its aftermath have made economic and social progress a political imperative in every quarter of the globe"

This quote by Lester B. Pearson speaks to the idea that previous to the last fantastic war, the expectation of material enhancement was a concept that was only held by Western guy. However, the war and its aftermath have actually changed this, and now financial and social development is viewed as a need in all parts of the world. This is because of the reality that the war has triggered a great deal of destruction and suffering, and the only way to move forward is to concentrate on improving the lives of individuals all over. This quote talks to the idea that the war has altered the way we view progress, which it is now viewed as a need in order to create a much better future.