Authority Quote by Henry B. Eyring
“I would write a scientific paper with the devil, if it was on high temperatures. The fellow's probably an authority.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, 2015
The speaker humorously suggests collaborating with a powerful but dangerous entity (the devil) only if the topic is something he respects—high temperatures—implying respect for expertise regardless of source.
In simple terms: Even a feared figure can be useful if the subject is his strength.
Key Takeaway
Seek expertise even from unlikely sources.
Themes
humor
expertise
ethics
Mood
playful
thought‑provoking
Type
aphilosophical
humorous
When to use this quote
- academic research
- scientific publishing
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
authority
temperature physics
collaboration
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever acceptable to partner with a morally questionable expert?
- How do we balance expertise against ethical concerns?
A Different Perspective
The joke downplays moral implications of working with evil.
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)
