It is hardly possible to maintain seriously that the evil…
“It is hardly possible to maintain seriously that the evil done by science is not altogether outweighed by the good. For example, if ten million lives were lost in every war, the net effect of science would still have been to increase the average length of life.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science can cause massive harm, yet its overall contributions may still improve humanity’s lifespan.
In simple terms: Science harms but also benefits humanity.
Key Takeaway
Weigh both harms and benefits.
Themes
ethics
science
consequences
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- research funding
- public health
- war analysis
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance scientific progress with its risks?
- Can we quantify moral trade‑offs?
A Different Perspective
Benefits may be overstated if harms are ignored.