Modern man Quote by David Mitchell
““The reductio ad absurdum of M.D.'s view, I argued, was that science devises ever bloodier means of war until humanity's powers of destruction overcome our powers of creation and our civilization drives itself to extinction. M.D. embraced my objection with mordant glee. 'Precisely. Our will to power, our science, and those v. faculties that elevated us from apes, to saves, to modern man, are the same faculties that'll snuff out Homo Sapiens before this century is out! You'll probably live to see it happen, you fortunate son. What a symphonic crescendo that'll be, eh?””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Cloud Atlas, 2004
Science can become increasingly destructive, potentially outpacing humanity’s creative capacities.
In simple terms: Science may destroy if unchecked.
Key Takeaway
Balance scientific progress with ethics.
Themes
technology
ethics
future
Mood
cautionary
provocative
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- AI development
- environmental policy
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
existential risk
science policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How to ensure science serves humanity?
- What safeguards are essential?
A Different Perspective
Technological optimism can overlook moral hazards.
![“Total victory is the only acceptable goal in a mind-control war because humanity is diminished so long as a single mind remains trapped in superstition [supernatural religion] by programming or choice.” quote by Howard Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/afb/howard-thompson-63345_acceptable_total-victory-is-the-only-acceptable-goa_2135925.jpg)
