In 1882 I was in Vienna, where I met an American whom I…
“In 1882 I was in Vienna, where I met an American whom I had known in the States. He said: 'Hang your chemistry and electricity! If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable these Europeans to cut each others' throats with greater facility.'”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Encourages inventing weapons for profit rather than scientific progress, highlighting moral compromise for wealth.
In simple terms: Promotes making war tools for money.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical impact of inventions.
Themes
ethics
money
technology
war
innovation
Mood
cynical
critical
reflective
Type
ethics:1
cutting:0
electricity:0
facility:0
greater:0
ifs:0
invent:0
known:0
mets:0
money:1
said:0
states:0
throat:0
vienna:0
want:0
money invent:0
electricity want:0
1882 vienna:0
enable europeans:0
When to use this quote
- military contracts
- entrepreneurial ventures
- policy lobbying
Key Concepts
moral compromise
profit motive
weaponization
industrialization
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do inventors have to society
- How does profit motive affect scientific integrity?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can fuel conflict and suffering.