Application Quote by Harold Urey
![“I looked for it [heavy hydrogen, deuterium] because I thought it should exist. I didn't know it would have industrial applications or be the basic for the most powerful weapon ever known [the nuclear bomb] ... I thought maybe my discovery might have the practical value of, say, neon in neon signs.” quote by Harold Urey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/78e/harold-urey-42546_application_i-looked-for-it-heavy-hydrogen-deuterium_1237859.jpg)
“I looked for it [heavy hydrogen, deuterium] because I thought it should exist. I didn't know it would have industrial applications or be the basic for the most powerful weapon ever known [the nuclear bomb] ... I thought maybe my discovery might have the practical value of, say, neon in neon signs.”
About This Quote
Source Scientific Interview: Nobel Lecture, 1934
A discovery made for curiosity can later become a powerful, possibly dangerous technology.
In simple terms: Research pursued for knowledge can have unforeseen impacts.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical implications of scientific work.
Themes
discovery
ethics
technology
weaponization
unintended consequences
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
informative
When to use this quote
- research labs
- policy discussions
- public debates
Key Concepts
nuclear physics
industrial applications
Questions to Reflect On
- Should scientists anticipate possible weaponization of their work?
- How can society balance innovation with safety?
A Different Perspective
Potential for misuse exists; regulation is needed.
![“I looked for it [heavy hydrogen, deuterium] because I thought it should exist. I didn't know it would have industrial applications or be the basic for the most powerful weapon ever known [the nuclear bomb] ... I thought maybe my discovery might have the practical value of, say, neon in neon signs…” quote by Harold Urey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b4/harold-urey-42546_chemistry_i-looked-for-it-heavy-hydrogen-deuterium_2368902.jpg)
![“Life is not a miracle. It is a natural phenomenon, and can be expected to appear whenever there is a planet whose conditions duplicate those of the earth. [ Stating how planets supporting life cannot be rare .]” quote by Harold Urey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e67/harold-urey-42546_astrobiology_life-is-not-a-miracle-it-is-a-natural-ph_794791.jpg)
![“[My study of the universe] leaves little doubt that life has occurred on other planets. I doubt if the human race is the most intelligent form of life.” quote by Harold Urey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/892/harold-urey-42546_alien-life_my-study-of-the-universe-leaves-little-d_2736196.jpg)
![“[Pure research] is worth every penny it costs.” quote by Harold Urey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3bd/harold-urey-42546_cost_pure-research-is-worth-every-penny-it-co_2969175.jpg)
