Fire Quote by Arthur R. Jensen
““Should the discovery of fire have been avoided because arsonists can misuse it? Any kind of information can be misused by those who are determined to do so. The place to stop the misuse of knowledge is not at the point of inquiry, but at the point of misuse.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Ethics of Knowledge, 1998
Misuse of knowledge is inevitable; regulation should target misuse, not discovery.
In simple terms: Control misuse, not discovery.
Focus on ethical application.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research oversight
- technology regulation
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we prevent misuse without hindering progress?
- What responsibilities do creators have?
Innovation may be stifled by overregulation.