Driven Quote by Hannah Arendt
“If a given science accidentally reached its goal, this would by no means stop the workers in the field, who would be driven past their goal by the sheer momentum of the illusion of unlimited progress.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Human Condition by Hannah Arendt, 1958
When a field of science seems to have achieved its aims, researchers keep pushing forward, driven by the illusion that progress is limitless.
In simple terms: Scientists keep advancing even after reaching goals, fueled by endless progress myth.
Beware of assuming progress is infinite.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research labs
- technology development
- policy planning
- academic careers
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits should be set on scientific ambition?
- How does the illusion of endless progress affect decision making?
The belief in unlimited progress can lead to resource waste and burnout.