Consequence Quote by Eric Hobsbawm
“There is not much that even the most socially responsible scientists can do as individuals, or even as a group, about the social consequences of their activities.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Extremes, Eric Hobsbawm, 1994
Individual scientists have limited influence over how society uses their discoveries, even when acting responsibly.
In simple terms: Scientists can’t control societal impact alone.
Key Takeaway
Focus on collective policy and public engagement.
Themes
responsibility
science
society
limitations
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- research institutions
- policy advising
- public outreach
- science education
Key Concepts
ethical responsibility
social impact
collective action
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientists effectively influence policy?
- What structures can amplify responsible science?
A Different Perspective
Changing societal outcomes often requires political and economic shifts beyond scientific control.
![“He[Napoleon] had destroyed only one thing: the Jacobin Revolution, the dream of equality, liberty and fraternity, and of the people rising in its majesty to shake off oppression. It was a more powerful myth than his, for after his fall it was this, and not his memory, which inspired the…” quote by Eric Hobsbawm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dfd/eric-hobsbawm-20660_century_he-napoleon-had-destroyed-only-one-thing_1313226.jpg)
