Our modern states are preparing for war without even knowing the future enemy.

Alfred Adler’s quote reflects his concern about the growing militarization of modern states and their preparation for conflict without clearly understanding who or what the future enemy might be. He suggests that governments and leaders are increasingly focused on preparing for war without recognizing that the nature of warfare may change or evolve in ways they cannot predict. In this context, the "enemy" could represent not just a nation or military force, but also more abstract threats such as social unrest, economic instability, or technological warfare.

The origin of this quote comes from Adler's work as a psychologist and a philosopher, known for his contributions to individual psychology. Adler was keenly aware of the ways in which human behavior, society, and political systems interacted. His observations about modern states preparing for war reflect his understanding of the irrational aspects of human nature and the tendency for societies to focus on external threats while neglecting the deeper psychological and social factors that can lead to conflict or instability.

Adler’s statement is also a critique of the idea that states can control their future by focusing on traditional methods of defense. By preparing for war without knowing the future enemy, Adler warns that societies are investing in outdated or ineffective strategies, ignoring the complexities of emerging threats that might not involve traditional forms of military combat. His concern is that societies are too focused on the physical aspects of warfare and not enough on understanding the underlying causes of conflict, whether they be psychological, ideological, or technological.

Ultimately, Adler’s quote underscores the idea that security and peace cannot be achieved simply by preparing for the traditional forms of war. Instead, modern states must think more critically about the evolving nature of conflict and the multifaceted challenges that lie ahead. Adler’s warning calls for a more holistic and forward-thinking approach to both defense and diplomacy, focusing not just on the military but also on the psychological, social, and technological forces that shape the future of human interaction.