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You can stop splitting the atom; you can stop visiting the moon; you can stop using aerosols; you may even decide not to kill entire populations by the use of a few bombs. But you cannot recall a new form of life.
Erwin Chargaff
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Scientific advancements can be reversed, but the creation of new life is irreversible.

Erwin Chargaff's quote emphasizes the profound impact of scientific discovery, particularly in genetics and biotechnology. While humanity has the ability to control and even undo certain technological and space exploration endeavors, the creation of new forms of life is a significant act that cannot be undone. This mirrors the gravity of our actions in science and underscores the responsibility that comes with such power.

Themes

ScienceLifeResponsibilityAdvancementCreation

In practice

Example use cases

This quote would resonate well at a science conference when discussing the ethical considerations of genetic engineering.

More from Erwin Chargaff

Science is wonderfully equipped to answer the question 'How?' but it gets terribly confused when you ask the question 'Why?'
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Science is now the craft of the manipulation, substitution and deflection of the forces of nature. What I see coming is a gigantic slaughterhouse, an Auschwitz, in which valuable enzymes, hormones, and so on will be extracted instead of gold teeth.
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One of the most insidious and nefarious properties of scientific models is their tendency to take over, and sometimes supplant, reality.
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