Evan Hunter

“ Let's spend that money for a project that's worthwhile. For once, forget the profit and think of the meaning to mankind." He paused and his voice grew lower. "We've been ravaged by too many wars, gentleman. Can't we stop this useless butchery and devote our time and energy to something constructive? Can't we? I know my rocket will work. It's scientifically sound. I know, too, that I can get a crew of scientists and technicians to take it to the Moon and back. All I need is the money and a little time. Just a little time."
"There's a war going on, Saunders," Bragg reminded him. ”

“ A trip to the Moon would probably end all hostilities on Earth. It would probably unify this planet as no other force has ever done. It will galvanize humanity into constructive action. It will open new vistas that cannot possibly admit plans for war."
Peterson yawned openly. "Mmmm. I must say you're an idealist, Saunders. I doubt very much if anything short of a trip to the Sun would unify the people of Earth." He chuckled a little at this and looked to the others for approval.
"That's right," Bragg agreed. "There'll always be wars, Saunders; the Earth is overpopulated, always will be." ”

“ You agree that my proposed rocket couldn't possibly reach the Moon?"
"It might," the man in blue serge admitted, "but we can't speculate on a thing of this nature. After all, Dr. Saunders, there'll be money involved and...."
"Money!" Saunders snorted in disgust. "Is that all you're worried about? You're one of the richest men on Earth, Mr. Peterson. How can you let money stand in the way of what may well be man's greatest achievement?"
Bragg spoke again, peering from behind the thick lenses of his eyeglasses. "Peterson is right ”