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That quote might be true, but the only direct reference to it is from a LIFE magazine obituary that does not refer to any source for the quote. von Neuman also
by srtjstjsj 9y ago
That quote might be true, but the only direct reference to it is from a LIFE magazine obituary that does not refer to any source for the quote.
von Neuman also invented "Mutual Assured Destruction" and (correctly) believed the Soviets had more advanced weapons, so it's strange that he honestly advocated attacking Russia.
- kbenson 9y agoWell, depending on context, that quote can be taken as advocating for bombing the Russians, or it can be taken as forcing the issue to the point where someone that advocated for leaving the option to do later needed fully justify the reasons for doing so right now or accept that conditions must change before you can consider that action. A sort of "put up or shut up", if you will. I'm sure people existed that wanted to do just that, bomb the Russians preemptively right then, but forcing them to play their hand exposes them, and lets those more conservative see them for what they are.