Since I do not forsee that atomic energy is to be a great boon for a long time, I have to say that for the present it is a menace. Perhaps it is well that it should be. It may intimidate the human race into bringing order into its international affairs, which, without the presence of fear, it would not do.
Interpretation
Einstein warns that atomic energy poses a threat but may also encourage nations to seek order and peace.
In this quote, Albert Einstein expresses his concerns about the dangers of atomic energy, suggesting that while it is currently more of a threat than a benefit, its existence might serve as a catalyst for humanity to organize and regulate international relations. The fear of nuclear power, he argues, might prompt countries to strive for stability and cooperation in a world where fear could otherwise lead to chaos.
In practice
In a speech about nuclear disarmament, you might quote Einstein to emphasize the importance of global cooperation.
I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
That's one of the ironies of our time: Right when we're on the edge of serious improvements in health care, we're also cooking the planet.
I'm substantially concerned about the policy directions of the space agency. We have a situation in the U.S. where the White House and Congress are at odds over what the future direction should be. They're sort of playing a game and NASA is the shuttlecock that they're hitting back and forth.
I hope that some day scientists can be considered heroes again, instead of Paris Hilton.
I lose sleep at night wondering whether we are intelligent enough to figure out the universe. I don't know.
We need to get across the excitement and creativity of science. That it isn't just a list of facts that have already been discovered - but a process, a creative project, that you are generating ideas, testing them and looking for evidence.
Ninety-nine percent of all species that ever lived are now extinct.
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