Skip to content

Atomic bomb Quote by Lise Meitner

“I will have nothing to do with a bomb! [Response to being invited (1943) to work with Otto Robert Frisch and some British scientists at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project to create the atomic bomb.]” quote by Lise Meitner
Download Open image
“I will have nothing to do with a bomb! [Response to being invited (1943) to work with Otto Robert Frisch and some British scientists at Los Alamos during the Manhattan Project to create the atomic bomb.]”

Lise Meitner

About This Quote

Source Speech: Interview with Otto Robert Frisch, 1943, Los Alamos

She rejects participation in weapons development, emphasizing moral responsibility over scientific curiosity.

In simple terms: I refuse to help make a bomb.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize ethics over ambition.

Themes

ethics science war responsibility

Mood

determined principled

Type

ethical historical

When to use this quote

  • research decisions
  • military contracts
  • personal conscience
  • career choices

Key Concepts

moral philosophy scientific integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can you separate scientific work from its potential uses?
  • What responsibilities do scientists have in wartime?
A Different Perspective

Her stance may limit scientific contributions but preserves personal integrity.

3.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Lise Meitner

Explore all 9 Lise Meitner quotes

More Atomic bomb quotes

Browse all 232 Atomic bomb quotes