Abandonment Quote by Jacques Monod
“Modern societies accepted the treasures and the power offered them by science. But they have not accepted - they have scarcely even heard - its profounder message: the defining of a new and unique source of truth, and the demand for a thorough revision of ethical premises, for a complete break with the animist tradition, the definitive abandonment of the 'old covenant', the necessity of forging a new one. Armed with all the powers, enjoying all the riches they owe to science, our societies are still trying to live by and to teach systems of values already blasted at the root by science itself.”
About This Quote
Science provides material wealth and power, yet societies ignore its deeper ethical implications, clinging to outdated moral frameworks.
In simple terms: Science's wealth masks its moral demand.
Key Takeaway
Ethics must evolve with scientific insight.
Themes
Science and society
Ethical evolution
Modernity
Cultural shift
Truth
Mood
Reflective
Critical
Type
Philosophical
Warning
When to use this quote
- Policy making
- Education curricula
- Public discourse
- Technology adoption
Key Concepts
Scientific progress
Moral foundations
Cultural tradition
Practical Applications
- Ethics committees
- Science communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How should ethical systems adapt to scientific breakthroughs?
- What are the risks of ignoring science's moral message?
![“The future of mankind is going to be decided within the next two generations, and there are two absolute requisites: We must aim at a stable-state society [with limited population growth] and the destruction of nuclear stockpiles. ... Otherwise I don't see how we can survive much later than 2050.” quote by Jacques Monod](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a7/jacques-monod-18055_aim_the-future-of-mankind-is-going-to-be-dec_738605.jpg)
