Accounts Quote by Max Born
“During my span of life science has become a matter of public concern and the l'art pour l'art standpoint of my youth is now obsolete. Science has become an integral and most important part of our civilization, and scientific work means contributing to its development. Science in our technical age has social, economic, and political functions, and however remote one's own work is from technical application it is a link in the chain of actions and decisions which determine the fate of the human race. I realized this aspect of science in its full impact only after Hiroshima.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Nobel Lecture, Max Born, 1954
Science is a societal pillar; every research contributes to humanity’s future, regardless of immediate application.
In simple terms: Science matters to all, shaping our world.
Recognize the broader impact of your work.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research planning
- education curriculum
- public policy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do scientists have to society?
- How can we balance pure research with practical outcomes?
Focusing solely on abstract theory may overlook urgent societal needs.