“Our modern states are preparing for war without even knowing the future enemy.”
- February 7, 1870 – May 28, 1937
- Austrian
- Psychotherapist, Medical Doctor, Founder of Individual Psychology
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Quote
“Our modern states are preparing for war without even knowing the future enemy.”
Explanation
This quote expresses Adler’s critique of militarism and irrational fear in modern society, especially in the context of national policy and collective psychology. By preparing for war without a known opponent, states act out of paranoia, insecurity, and distrust, which Adler might interpret as a projection of internal inferiority on a national scale. The behavior reflects a readiness to engage in conflict not because of real necessity, but because of a need to feel strong, secure, or dominant, regardless of actual threats.
Adler lived through a period of intense geopolitical tension, including the arms race leading up to World War I and the instability of the interwar years. In these times, nations often mobilized militaries and built alliances against hypothetical enemies, driven by fear rather than diplomacy. Adler saw such behavior as a societal manifestation of individual psychological patterns—where anxiety, mistrust, and the need for superiority could escalate into destructive action when left unchecked.
Today, this quote remains strikingly relevant in light of global military spending, preemptive defense policies, and rising international tensions. Countries often invest heavily in weapons systems and strategic deterrents against unidentified or abstract threats, reinforcing cycles of hostility and fear. Adler’s warning invites reflection on how psychological insecurity, when scaled to nations, can lead to unnecessary conflict, and how a focus on understanding and cooperation might provide a more secure foundation for peace.
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