Science Quote by Anonymous
““Science has not given men more self-control, more kindliness, or more power of discounting their passions in deciding upon a course of action. It has given communities more power to indulge their collective passions, but, by making society more organic, it has diminished the part played by private passions. Men's collective passions are mainly evil; far the strongest of them are hatred and rivalry directed towards other groups. Therefore at present all that gives men power to indulge their collective passions is bad. That is why science threatens to cause the destruction of our civilization. The only solid hope seems to lie in the possibility of world-wide domination by one group, say the United States, leading to the gradual formation of an orderly economic and political world-government. But perhaps, in view of the sterility of the Roman Empire, the collapse of our civilization would in the end be preferable to this alternative.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unspecified, early 20th century political commentary
Science empowers societies to act on collective passions, often harmful, while reducing individual moral restraint, suggesting that unchecked collective power can threaten civilization and that a single dominant power might be a lesser evil than chaotic collapse.
In simple terms: Science fuels group impulses more than personal self‑control, risking societal ruin.
Beware collective passions; seek balanced governance.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political movements
- global governance
- social engineering
- environmental policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we harness scientific progress to foster cooperation rather than conflict?
- What safeguards prevent collective passions from becoming destructive?
Science can also enable positive collective action, so its impact depends on how societies channel it.