“No habría ocasión para el armamentismo si en el mundo no se alimentara la codicia.”
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Probable attribution
This saying is widely associated with Mahatma Gandhi, but the attribution is not supported by a reliable primary source.
Likely origin: Spanish; attributed to Gandhi: 'There would be no occasion for armaments if the world did not feed on greed.' Consistent with his views but exact primary not confirmed.
About this quote
Weapons pile up because someone wants more than they hold — land, markets, security beyond any real need. Trace the buildup back and you usually find appetite, not defense; shrink the wanting and the whole justification for stockpiling starts to thin out.
When to use it
- Two neighboring shops keep adding hours and staff purely to outdo each other, and both end up exhausted.
- A couple's spending spiral eases only once they admit they were buying to keep up, not to live.
- A gaming clan's contest of ever-pricier gear cools the moment players stop needing to dominate.