Herman Kahn Quotes

A collection of quotes by Herman Kahn.

Herman Kahn (1922-1983) was an American futurist, strategist, and systems theorist. He gained prominence as a leading thinker on nuclear warfare and geopolitical strategies during the Cold War era. Kahn co-founded the Hudson Institute in 1961, an influential think tank focusing on policy research and analysis. Known for his provocative ideas and extensive writings, he authored several books including "On Thermonuclear War" and "The Year 2000: A Framework for Speculation on the Next Thirty-Three Years." Kahn's work greatly influenced military and political circles, shaping discussions on nuclear deterrence and long-term global trends.

Because of new technologies, new wealth, new conditions of d

Because of new technologies, new wealth, new conditions of domestic life and of international relations, unprecedented criteria and issues are coming up for national decision.

Life Wealth

A total nuclear freeze is counterproductive - especially now

A total nuclear freeze is counterproductive - especially now, when technology is rapidly changing and the Soviets have some important strategic advantages.

Technology

Projecting a persuasive image of a desirable and practical f

Projecting a persuasive image of a desirable and practical future is extremely important to high morale, to dynamism, to consensus, and in general to help the wheels of society turn smoothly.

Future

World War I broke out largely because of an arms race, and W

World War I broke out largely because of an arms race, and World War II because of the lack of an arms race.

War

Authority is not power; that's coercion. Authority is not kn

Authority is not power; that's coercion. Authority is not knowledge; that's persuasion, or seduction. Authority is simply that the author has the right to make a statement and to be heard.

Power