Albert Einstein Quotes on War, born March 14, 1879, in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Württemberg, Germany, was a theoretical physicist whose revolutionary contributions, including the theory of relativity and E=mc², transformed modern physics. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, Einstein was also a committed pacifist and humanitarian who spoke out against war and militarism, particularly after witnessing the rise of Nazism and the devastation of World War II. His reflections on war reveal his deep concern for humanity’s future and his advocacy for peace and cooperation. These 15 quotes—sourced from his writings, speeches, interviews, and public statements—capture his insights on war, its futility, and the need for a peaceful world order, reflecting his intellectual brilliance and moral conviction.
15 Albert Einstein Quotes on War
- “I am not only a pacifist but a militant pacifist. I am willing to fight for peace. Nothing will end war unless the people themselves refuse to go to war.” (Interview with George Sylvester Viereck, January 1931)
- “He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice.” (The World As I See It, 1934)
- “The release of atom power has changed everything except our way of thinking… the solution to this problem lies in the heart of mankind.” (New York Times, May 25, 1946)
- “You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.” (Letter to Congressman Robert Hale, 1946)
- “As long as there are sovereign nations possessing great power, war is inevitable.” (Atlantic Monthly, November 1945)
- “The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” (Attributed, Einstein: His Life and Universe, 2007)
- “War seems to me a mean, contemptible thing: I would rather be hacked in pieces than take part in such an abominable business.” (The World As I See It, 1934)
- “A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels.” (New York Times, May 25, 1946)
- “The pioneers of a warless world are the youth that refuse military service.” (Attributed, Ideas and Opinions, 1954)
- “Force always attracts men of low morality, and I believe it to be an invariable rule that tyrants of genius are succeeded by scoundrels.” (The World As I See It, 1934)
- “So long as there are men, there will be wars.” (Letter to Sigmund Freud, 1932, Why War?)
- “Mankind’s desire for peace can be realized only by the creation of a world government.” (Atlantic Monthly, November 1945)
- “I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.” (Interview with Alfred Werner, Liberal Judaism, 1946)
- “Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” (Attributed, The Ultimate Quotable Einstein, 2010)
- “Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.” (The World As I See It, 1934)
Albert Einstein’s quotes on war convey his passionate opposition to militarism, his call for a new way of thinking to prevent conflict, and his vision for global cooperation, inspiring readers to strive for peace and understanding. Which one resonates with your hopes for a peaceful world? Drop it in the comments and keep Einstein’s legacy vibrant!
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