27[B]
It is thus that mutual cowardice keeps us in peace. Were one half of mankind brave, and one half cowards, the brave would be always beating the cowards. Were all brave, they would lead a very uneasy life; all would be continually fighting: but being all cowards, we go on very well.
双方面的懦弱才让我们保持和平。如果一方勇敢,一方懦弱,勇者将惯于打击弱者。如果双方勇敢,状况就都不妙,斗争状态将永无止境。但是,如果双方都懦弱,过得就都不错。
核战略发展过程中,有一种叫做“MAD”战略,即“确保相互摧毁(Mutually Assured Destruction)”,其理论假设就是双方都不愿意被摧毁,因此美苏之间的核战争不会爆发。如今,碰上极端恐怖主义者就不管用了。恐怖分子并不“懦弱”于被摧毁。