Civilization Quote by Joseph Rotblat
“I have to bring to your notice a terrifying reality: with the development of nuclear weapons Man has acquired, for the first time in history, the technical means to destroy the whole of civilization in a single act.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Nuclear Threats, 1970
Humanity now possesses the capacity to annihilate civilization in a single act, a terrifying new reality.
In simple terms: We can destroy all at once.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and prevent nuclear catastrophe.
Themes
danger
technology
responsibility
Mood
grave
urgent
Type
ethical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- activism
Key Concepts
existential risk
global security
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do we hold with such power?
- How can societies mitigate this existential threat?
A Different Perspective
Political and technical constraints may limit prevention efforts.
![“Alice Stewart [is] a much underestimated scientist who has been an indomitable challenger of the establishment and a thorn in the flesh of the nuclear industry.” quote by Joseph Rotblat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/79f/joseph-rotblat-16206_establishment_alice-stewart-is-a-much-underestimated-s_294608.jpg)
