Ashamed Quote by Albert Einstein
“Everybody should be ashamed who uses the wonders of science and engineering without thinking and having mentally realized not more of it than a cow realizes of the botany of the plants which it eats with pleasure.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, attributed to Einstein, early 20th century
Using scientific advances without reflection is as ignorant as a cow eating plants without understanding botany.
In simple terms: Unthinking use of science is blind.
Key Takeaway
Think before using technology.
Themes
responsibility
science
humility
Mood
concerned
thoughtful
Type
cautionary
ethical
When to use this quote
- education
- policy making
- research ethics
- public discourse
Key Concepts
ethical reflection
knowledge
ignorance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure ethical reflection in innovation?
- What responsibilities do scientists have to society?
A Different Perspective
Science without conscience can cause harm.
![“Although I was four years at the University [of Wisconsin], I did not take the regular course of studies, but instead picked out what I thought would be most useful to me, particularly chemistry, which opened a new world, mathematics and physics, a little Greek and Latin, botany and and geology. I…” quote by John Muir](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/39f/john-muir-678_botany_although-i-was-four-years-at-the-univers_868877.jpg)
![“I was aware of Darwin's views fourteen years before I adopted them and I have done so solely and entirely from an independent study of the plants themselves. [Letter to W.H. Harvey]” quote by Joseph Dalton Hooker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a5/joseph-dalton-hooker-39139_biology_i-was-aware-of-darwin-s-views-fourteen-y_548151.jpg)
