Skip to content

'It's this accursed Science,' I cried. 'It's the very…

“'It's this accursed Science,' I cried. 'It's the very Devil. The mediaeval priests and persecutors were right, and the Moderns are all wrong. You tamper with it-and it offers you gifts. And directly you take them it knocks you to pieces in some unexpected way.'” quote by George Herbert
Download Open image
“'It's this accursed Science,' I cried. 'It's the very Devil. The mediaeval priests and persecutors were right, and the Moderns are all wrong. You tamper with it-and it offers you gifts. And directly you take them it knocks you to pieces in some unexpected way.'”

George Herbert

About This Quote

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

Science is portrayed as a double‑edged sword: it promises breakthroughs but can unleash unforeseen harm if mishandled.

In simple terms: Science offers gifts but can backfire.

Key Takeaway

Beware of unintended consequences.

Themes

technology ethics risk human hubris knowledge

Mood

cautious reflective skeptical

Type

aphor cautionary

When to use this quote

  • research labs
  • policy debates
  • public health crises
  • environmental interventions
  • AI development

Key Concepts

innovation danger responsibility

Practical Applications

  • risk assessment
  • ethical review

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can prevent scientific misuse?
  • How do we balance curiosity with caution?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by George Herbert

Explore all 1,285 George Herbert quotes

More Accounts quotes

Browse all 2,677 Accounts quotes