Unconditional war can no longer lead to unconditional victory. It can no longer serve to settle disputes. It can no longer concern the Great Powers alone. For a nuclear disaster, spread by wind and water and fear, could well engulf the great and the small, the rich and the poor, the committed and the uncommitted alike. Mankind must put an end to war--or war will put an end to mankind.

Summary

This quote highlights the escalating dangers of unconditional war in the modern age. It asserts that war, with the advent of nuclear weapons, cannot guarantee unequivocal victory, nor can it effectively resolve conflicts. Furthermore, the quote emphasizes that the destructive consequences of a nuclear catastrophe have the potential to impact everyone, irrespective of their power, wealth, or commitment. Consequently, the quote argues that humanity must actively strive to eliminate war altogether, for if left unchecked, war itself could result in the extinction of mankind.

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