We must recognize that incalculable dangers lie behind the forces now at the disposal of governments, not only in the means of material destruction, but also and even more perhaps, in the weapons of mass suggestion, propaganda and state organization. There is no indication that the statesmen of any country will or can display the wisdom, the tolerance and the capacity for self-denial that the removal of these dangers requires. Nevertheless, events are moving in a way that is more favourable than we have any right to expect, and it may be that the transition to the new epoch will be accomplished without a great catastrophe that would destroy the major part of what man has achieved.

"The Crisis in Human Affairs", Preface to the 1954 edition.