Our chief defect is that we are more given to talking about things than to doing them.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
Science and technology have freed humanity from many burdens and given us this new perspective and great power. This power can be used for the good of all. If wisdom governs our actions; but if the world is mad or foolish, it can destroy itself just when great advances and triumphs are almost without its grasp.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Advancements in science and technology provide great benefits, but they require wisdom to be used responsibly.
This quote by Jawaharlal Nehru highlights the duality of science and technology as powerful tools that can transform human life. While they have the potential to alleviate burdens and empower humanity, they also carry the risk of destruction if mismanaged or wielded without wisdom. Therefore, it emphasizes the importance of aligning our technological advancements with ethical guidance and wisdom to ensure they contribute positively to society rather than leading to chaos or disaster.
Themes
ScienceTechnologyWisdomPowerResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on technological advancements, one could quote Nehru to emphasize the need for ethical innovation.
More from Jawaharlal Nehru
All quotes →India has known the innocence and insouciance of childhood, the passion and abandon of youth, and the ripe wisdom of maturity that comes from long experience of pain and pleasure; and over and over a gain she has renewed her childhood and youth and age
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Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will.
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Crises and deadlocks when they occur have at least this advantage, that they force us to think.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
What we really are matters more than what other people think of us.
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Loyal and efficient work in a great cause, even though it may not be immediately recognized, ultimately bears fruit.
Jawaharlal NehruRead
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