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Accidents Quote by Stephen Hawking

“Nuclear weapons need large facilities, but genetic engineering can be done in a small lab. You can't regulate every lab in the world. The danger is that either by accident or design, we create a virus that destroys us.” quote by Stephen Hawking
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“Nuclear weapons need large facilities, but genetic engineering can be done in a small lab. You can't regulate every lab in the world. The danger is that either by accident or design, we create a virus that destroys us.”

Stephen Hawking

About This Quote

Large-scale weapons require massive infrastructure, whereas biotech can be done in small labs, making global regulation difficult and raising bio‑security risks.

In simple terms: Biotech is easy to do, hard to control.

Key Takeaway

Implement robust oversight for small‑scale labs.

Themes

security technology regulation

Mood

cautious concerned

Type

policy ethical

When to use this quote

  • lab safety
  • policy making
  • global health
  • research ethics

Key Concepts

bio‑risk dual‑use research

Questions to Reflect On

  • What safeguards can balance safety and scientific progress?
  • How can international cooperation improve bio‑security?
A Different Perspective

Regulation may stifle beneficial innovation.

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