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Science is the search for the truth--it is not a game in which one tries to beat his opponent, to do harm to others. We need to have the spirit of science in international affairs, to make the conduct of international affairs the effort to find the right solution, the just solution of international problems, and not an effort by each nation to get the better of other nations, to do harm to them when it is possible. I believe in morality, in justice, in humanitarianism.
Linus Pauling
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Science seeks truth and justice rather than competition and harm.

In this quote, Linus Pauling emphasizes that science is fundamentally a pursuit for truth and understanding rather than a competitive challenge against others. He advocates for applying the principles of scientific inquiry to international relations, promoting cooperation and moral integrity instead of conflict and self-interest among nations. Pauling believes that we should strive for just solutions to global problems, rooted in values like morality and humanitarianism.

Themes

ScienceTruthInternational RelationsJusticeMorality

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture on ethics in science, this quote could highlight the importance of moral reasoning.

More from Linus Pauling

Every aspect of the world today - even politics and international relations - is affected by chemistry.
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Although physicians, as part of their training, are taught that the dosage of a drug that is prescribed for the patient must be very carefully determined and controlled, they seem to have difficulty in remembering that the same principle applies to the vitamins.
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I like people. I like animals, too-whales and quail, dinosaurs and dodos. But I like human beings especially, and I am unhappy that the pool of human germ plasm, which determines the nature of the human race, is deteriorating.
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Just one living cell in the human body is, more complex than New York City.
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The way to get good ideas is to get lots of ideas and throw the bad ones away.
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By the proper intakes of vitamins and other nutrients and by following a few other healthful practices from youth or middle age on, you can, I believe, extend your life and years of well-being by twenty-five or even thirty-five years.
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