Herman Kahn quotes - page 3

Clearly, the first task is to gain acceptance of a more reasonable view of the future, one that opens possibilities rather than forecloses them. (Herman Kahn)
Nevertheless, during the sixty years of the twentieth century many problems have come increasingly into the realm of acceptable public discussion. View quote
Herman Kahn
We must not look too dangerous to the enemy. This does not mean that we cannot do anything that threatens him. After all, our mere possession of a Type I Deterrence capability implies that we can harm him if we desire. But it does mean, to the extent that is consistent with our other objectives, we should not make him more insecure than is necessary. We do not want to make him so unhappy and distraught that he will be tempted to end his anxieties by the use of drastic alternatives. We do not wish him to conclude, "better a fearful end than endless fear." View quote
Herman Kahn
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. View quote
Herman Kahn
As for total disarmament, there are almost 50,000 nuclear weapons in the world today even if they were banned, not all would be destroyed. View quote
Herman Kahn
We must not look too dangerous to the enemy. This does not mean that we cannot do anything that threatens him. After all, our mere possession of a Type I Deterrence capability implies that we can harm him if we desire. But it does mean, to the extent that is consistent with our other objectives, we should not make him more insecure than is necessary. We do not want to make him so unhappy and distraught that he will be tempted to end his anxieties by the use of drastic alternatives. We do not wish him to conclude, "better a fearful end than endless fear." We must not appear to be excessively aggressive, irresponsible, trigger-happy, or accident prone, today or in the future. View quote
Herman Kahn