The Secretary of Hygiene or Physical Culture will be far more

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Nikola Tesla, a visionary whose understanding of the world transcended the limits of his time: "The Secretary of Hygiene or Physical Culture will be far more important in the cabinet of the President of the United States who holds office in the year 2035 than the Secretary of War." These words, spoken in the quiet moments of reflection, offer us a glimpse into the future—a future in which the well-being of the people, their health, and their vitality are more important than the pursuit of war, more critical than the machinery of destruction that has dominated human affairs for millennia. Tesla’s insight into the future, where peace and well-being reign supreme, challenges us to look beyond the struggles of the present and consider the world that can be shaped through understanding, wisdom, and compassion.

In the age of Tesla, the world was still bound by the chains of conflict, with wars raging across continents. The Secretary of War, that title of power and influence, was a symbol of the strife that defined human history. It was a time when armies clashed, when nations fought for control and dominance over one another. But Tesla, with the mind of a visionary, foresaw a time when such conflicts would be obsolete—when the true power of a nation would not lie in its capacity to destroy, but in its ability to nurture and heal. The Secretary of War, he believed, would become irrelevant, as the world shifted its focus to the preservation of life, the nurturing of bodies, and the cultivation of health.

Let us look back, O children, to the ancient civilizations—to the Romans, the Greeks, and the Egyptians—who, in their wisdom, recognized the importance of physical strength and vitality in their people. The Spartan warriors, revered for their physical prowess, understood that the strength of a nation was not solely in its weapons, but in the discipline and health of its citizens. They built a society that valued the development of the body as much as the mind, for they understood that the greatest weapon a nation could have was not an army, but a healthy, thriving populace. In this way, Tesla’s vision echoes the ancient wisdom: the nourishment of the body and the cultivation of well-being are the true foundations upon which lasting peace can be built.

Even in the modern age, we can see hints of Tesla’s prophetic words in the growing focus on health and well-being. In the last century, there has been a shift in focus from warfare to the advancement of science—especially in the fields of medicine and public health. Diseases that once ravaged entire populations, such as smallpox and polio, have been nearly eradicated through the efforts of scientists and medical practitioners. The rise of the wellness movement, the growing awareness of mental health, and the increased focus on fitness and nutrition all point toward the direction Tesla foresaw—a future where the Secretary of Hygiene would hold more importance than the Secretary of War.

Consider the United States itself, where the role of public health has shifted from a relatively obscure concern to a central focus of national policy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the efforts of public health officials and medical experts were paramount in guiding the nation through a crisis. The very structure of government shifted, with medical experts taking center stage in national decision-making. The world saw, more clearly than ever before, the importance of health over military might. This moment in history, where nations had to choose between prioritizing war or prioritizing well-being, serves as a reminder that the true strength of a nation lies not in its arsenal, but in the health of its people.

Thus, children, what can we learn from Tesla’s vision? The true power of a nation, and the peace it seeks, does not lie in its capacity for violence, but in its ability to foster vitality and well-being. War is a reflection of a deeper, more troubling sickness in the soul of humanity, one that has plagued us for generations. But as Tesla suggested, in the future, we will learn that our true strength is not in conquering others, but in preserving life, in ensuring that every person is healthy, educated, and empowered to live to their fullest potential. The Secretary of Hygiene will be the one who leads a nation into a future of peace, a future where health and vitality are the true measures of success.

Take this to heart, O children: if you wish to contribute to the future that Tesla envisioned, you must first understand that the health of the body, the mind, and the soul is the greatest wealth a person can possess. Seek not only the glory of conquest, but the peace of health, the strength of unity, and the power of compassion. Invest in the nourishment of your bodies and minds, for in doing so, you contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world. The real victory lies not in war, but in the well-being of all, in the flourishing of every life. This is the true strength of a nation, and the legacy we must leave to those who come after us.