Atoms Quote by Samuel Butler
“We shall never get people whose time is money to take much interest in atoms.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Unknown, 19th century (attributed to Samuel Butler)
The quote critiques the prioritization of profit over scientific curiosity, suggesting that those focused on money ignore fundamental research.
In simple terms: Money‑focused people ignore basic science.
Key Takeaway
Value curiosity over profit.
Themes
science
economics
values
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- policy making
- research funding
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
materialism
opportunity cost
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance economic growth with scientific advancement?
- What incentives encourage investment in basic research?
A Different Perspective
Profit motives can stifle innovation and long‑term progress.
![“[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)
