Sooner or later it must come out, even if other men…
““Sooner or later it must come out, even if other men rediscover it. And then...Governments and powers will struggle to get hither, they will fight against one another and against these moon people. It will only spread warfare and multiply the occasions of war. In a little while, in a very little while if I tell my secret, this planet to it's deepest galleries will be strewn with human dead. Other things are doubtful, but this is certain...It is not as though man had any use for the moon. What good would the moon be to men? Even of their own planet what have they made but a battleground and theatre of infinite folly? Small as his world is, and short as his time, he has still in his little life down there far more than he can do. No! Science has toiled too long forging weapons for fools to use. It is time she held her hand. Let him find it out for himself again-in a thousand years' time.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human conflict will inevitably spread to the moon, leading to widespread death; humanity's misuse of science fuels endless war.
In simple terms: War will extend to the moon, causing massive loss.
Key Takeaway
Beware of weaponizing scientific progress.
Themes
war
technology
humanity
future
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- politics
- military planning
- scientific research
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
militarization
ethics
space exploration
Questions to Reflect On
- Can scientific advancement be kept peaceful?
- What safeguards prevent future lunar warfare?