This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Russell–Einstein Manifesto, a powerful message first shared with the world on July 9th, 1955.
The manifesto was written during a time of great fear, just a decade after World War II and at the height of tensions between East and West. The Cold War had divided the world, and the threat of nuclear war was real and terrifying.
In the face of this danger, two of the greatest minds of the 20th century—philosopher Bertrand Russell and scientist Albert Einstein—joined with other Nobel Prize-winning scientists to make a simple, human appeal: “Remember your humanity, and forget the rest.” They were not speaking as politicians or as members of a particular nation. They were speaking as human beings, asking other human beings to look beyond political conflicts and see what was truly at stake—our shared future.
The manifesto warns that if another world war were to break out, nuclear weapons would almost certainly be used. These weapons, they said, threaten not just soldiers or cities, but the survival of the entire human race. And so, they urged the leaders of all countries to abandon war as a way to resolve disputes.
Instead of continuing to argue and build weapons, the manifesto suggests that we have another option—one filled with hope. If we choose peace, we can move forward together, discovering more knowledge, gaining more wisdom, and building a happier future for everyone. But if we let our anger and division guide us, we risk destroying everything.
The message is still dramatically relevant today. Though the Cold War has ended, the world still faces the prospect of a nuclear war, existential threats have increased in number, and political tensions and wars are on the rise. The manifesto reminds us that science and progress must be used to support life, not destroy it. It calls on scientists, leaders, and everyday people to speak out for peace and live peaceful and sustainable relationships with ourselves, others and the world.
The resolution they proposed was clear: no government should ever believe that war—especially nuclear war—can help them achieve their goals. Peaceful solutions must always be found.
As we remember the anniversary of this historic document, let us honor its message. Let us, as they said, remember our humanity. Because only through peace can we truly move forward.