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Science is now the craft of the manipulation, substitution…

“Science is now the craft of the manipulation, substitution and deflection of the forces of nature. What I see coming is a gigantic slaughterhouse, an Auschwitz, in which valuable enzymes, hormones, and so on will be extracted instead of gold teeth.” quote by Erwin Chargaff
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“Science is now the craft of the manipulation, substitution and deflection of the forces of nature. What I see coming is a gigantic slaughterhouse, an Auschwitz, in which valuable enzymes, hormones, and so on will be extracted instead of gold teeth.”

Erwin Chargaff

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that scientific progress may turn into exploitation, turning living matter into a mass‑production slaughterhouse for profit.

In simple terms: Science could become a profit‑driven exploitation of biology.

Key Takeaway

Beware of commodifying life.

Themes

ethics science exploitation

Mood

cautious critical

Type

warning philosophical

When to use this quote

  • pharmaceuticals
  • genetic engineering
  • food production
  • environmental policy

Key Concepts

biotechnology capitalism bioethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is all biotech harmful?
  • How can we balance profit and ethics?
A Different Perspective

The quote assumes all scientific advances are driven by profit motives, ignoring altruistic research.

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