Captives Quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower
“Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: National Defense University, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961
Scientific progress should be respected but guarded against becoming a tool of elite control.
In simple terms: Respect science, beware elite capture.
Key Takeaway
Balance scientific input with democratic oversight.
Themes
science
policy
ethics
power
elitism
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- legislation
- research funding
- public hearings
- media scrutiny
Key Concepts
technocracy
public trust
accountability
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure public policy remains democratic?
- How can society detect elite capture early?
A Different Perspective
Technological elites may still dominate despite safeguards.
