Chemistry Quote by Hiram Maxim
“In 1882 I was in Vienna, where I met an American whom I had known in the States. He said: 'Hang your chemistry and electricity! If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable these Europeans to cut each others' throats with greater facility.'”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Private conversation, Vienna, 1882
Encourages inventing weapons for profit rather than scientific progress, highlighting moral compromise for wealth.
In simple terms: Promotes making war tools for money.
Key Takeaway
Consider ethical impact of inventions.
Themes
ethics
money
technology
war
innovation
Mood
cynical
critical
reflective
Type
ethics:1
cutting:0
electricity:0
facility:0
greater:0
ifs:0
invent:0
known:0
mets:0
money:1
said:0
states:0
throat:0
vienna:0
want:0
money invent:0
electricity want:0
1882 vienna:0
enable europeans:0
When to use this quote
- military contracts
- entrepreneurial ventures
- policy lobbying
Key Concepts
moral compromise
profit motive
weaponization
industrialization
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do inventors have to society
- How does profit motive affect scientific integrity?
A Different Perspective
Profit focus can fuel conflict and suffering.
