Ability Quote by Thomas A. Edison
“The United States, and other advanced nations, will someday be able to produce instruments of death so terrible the world will be in abject terror of itself and its ability to end civilization… Such war-making weapons should be developed - but only for purposes of discovery and experimentation”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on future warfare, 1940s, null
Advanced nations may create weapons so destructive they cause global terror, prompting a paradox of development for study only.
In simple terms: Powerful weapons could cause worldwide fear, so they should be built only for research.
Key Takeaway
Develop responsibly, limit to discovery.
Themes
technology
war
ethics
responsibility
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
cautionary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- military planning
- policy debates
- academic research
- international treaties
Key Concepts
deterrence
existential risk
scientific inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- Should humanity pursue knowledge that could end civilization?
- How can we ensure research stays ethical?
A Different Perspective
Even for study, creation of such weapons may increase the chance of misuse.
