Death Quote by Will Durant
“Science tells us how to heal and how to kill; it reduces our death rate in retail and then kills us wholesale in war; but only wisdom - desire coordinated in the light of all experience - can tell us when to heal and when to kill.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Story of Civilization, Will Durant, 1944
Science provides tools for both healing and destruction; wisdom guides their ethical use.
In simple terms: Science can heal or kill; wisdom decides how.
Key Takeaway
Seek wisdom before applying scientific power.
Themes
ethics
science
war
medicine
wisdom
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- medical research
- military strategy
- public policy
- education
- technology development
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
responsibility
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance scientific progress with ethical constraints?
- What role should wisdom play in policy decisions?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot resolve moral dilemmas; human judgment is needed.
![“Neville [Chamberlain] has a retail mind in a wholesale business.” quote by David Lloyd George](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ee/david-lloyd-george-9272_business_neville-chamberlain-has-a-retail-mind-in_1231324.jpg)
