Evil Quote by Steven Weinberg
“Science merely amplifies the capabilities of human beings. Science gives us the ability to do ill and to do good more than we had, and to question science in this respect is like questioning whether people ought to have two hands or just one, because with two hands they could do more evil than they can with just one.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Science and Ethics, 1995
Science expands human power, enabling both greater good and greater harm; questioning its morality is as absurd as questioning the number of hands we have.
In simple terms: Science makes us more capable, for better or worse.
Key Takeaway
Use science responsibly.
Themes
ethics
technology
responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- research funding
- public debate
Key Concepts
human agency
dual-use dilemma
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure scientific advances benefit humanity?
- What safeguards protect against misuse?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot guarantee moral outcomes; societal values matter.
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
