Atoms Quote by Quentin Reynolds
“The scientists split the atom; now the atom is splitting us.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, likely interview or public talk, date unknown
Technological advances that once empowered humanity now have unintended consequences that affect us personally.
In simple terms: Science can turn back on us.
Key Takeaway
Beware of unintended impacts of technology.
Themes
technology
ethics
consequences
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
warning
observational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- public health
- environmental safety
Key Concepts
atom
science
human impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance progress with safety?
- What safeguards can prevent negative outcomes?
A Different Perspective
Technology also brings benefits that can outweigh risks.
![“[Decoding the human genome sequence] is the most significant undertaking that we have mounted so far in an organized way in all of science. I believe that reading our blueprints, cataloguing our own instruction book, will be judged by history as more significant than even splitting the atom or…” quote by Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c6/francis-collins-5281_atoms_decoding-the-human-genome-sequence-is-th_15604.jpg)
