Atomic energy Quote by Robert Andrews Millikan
“There is no likelihood man can ever tap the power of the atom. The glib supposition of utilizing atomic energy when our coal has run out is a completely unscientific Utopian dream, a childish bug-a-boo. Nature has introduced a few fool-proof devices into the great majority of elements that constitute the bulk of the world, and they have no energy to give up in the process of disintegration.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public lecture on atomic energy, 1930s, United States
The quote argues that atoms cannot be a practical energy source because they lack usable energy upon disintegration, dismissing nuclear power as unrealistic.
In simple terms: Atoms cannot reliably provide energy; nuclear power is unrealistic.
Key Takeaway
Question skepticism about nuclear energy.
Themes
science
technology
energy
skepticism
limitations
Mood
cautious
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
historical
scientific
When to use this quote
- Industrial planning
- energy policy
- academic debate
- public education
Key Concepts
Atomic physics
energy extraction
technological optimism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is all scientific skepticism eventually disproven?
- How should we balance caution with innovation?
A Different Perspective
Later research proved nuclear fission releases vast energy, contradicting this view.
![“Should the research worker of the future discover some means of releasing this [atomic] energy in a form which could be employed, the human race will have at its command powers beyond the dream of scientific fiction.” quote by Francis William Aston](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95d/francis-william-aston-44310_atomic-energy_should-the-research-worker-of-the-future_1627368.jpg)
![“[The human control of atomic energy could] virtually provide anyone who wanted it with a private sun of his own.” quote by Frederick Soddy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/43e/frederick-soddy-16246_atomic-energy_the-human-control-of-atomic-energy-could_422373.jpg)