Quote by General George Patton
It is certain that the two World Wars in which I have participated would not have occurred had we been prepared. It is my belief that adequate preparation on our part would have prevented or materially shortened all our other wars beginning with that of 1812. Yet, after each of our wars, there has always been a great hue and cry to the effect that there will be no more wars, that disarmament is the sure road to health, happiness, and peace; and that by removing the fire department, we will remove fires. These ideas spring from wishful thinking and from the erroneous belief that wars result from logical processes. There is no logic in wars. They are produced by madmen. No man can say when future madmen will reappear. I do not say that there will be no more wars; I devoutly hope that there will not, but I do say that the chances of avoiding future wars will be greatly enhanced if we are ready.
Summary
The quote highlights the importance of preparedness in preventing wars. The speaker points out that the two World Wars could have been avoided or shortened if adequate preparation had been in place. However, the speaker criticizes the common belief that disarmament alone will lead to peace and argues that wars are not a result of logical processes but of the actions of madmen. While hoping that there will be no more wars, the speaker emphasizes that the chances of avoiding future conflicts will be greatly increased through readiness and preparedness.
Topics
War
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