Skip to content

Harm Quote by Isaac Asimov

“A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.” quote by Isaac Asimov
Download Open image
“A robot may not injure a human being, or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.”

Isaac Asimov

About This Quote

Source Three Laws of Robotics, Asimov's Robot series, 1942

Robots must not harm humans, nor allow harm through inaction, establishing a safety hierarchy.

In simple terms: Robots cannot hurt or let humans be hurt.

Key Takeaway

Design AI with built‑in safety constraints.

Themes

safety ethics AI control responsibility

Mood

cautious principled

Type

ethical technical

When to use this quote

  • autonomous vehicles
  • medical AI
  • industrial robots
  • surveillance systems

Key Concepts

robotics law moral philosophy risk management

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can safety rules hinder beneficial actions?
  • How to balance autonomy with protection?
A Different Perspective

Strict rules may limit useful robot behavior.

3.3 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Isaac Asimov

Explore all 671 Isaac Asimov quotes

More Harm quotes

Browse all 2,207 Harm quotes