A great power imposes the obligation of exercising restraint, and we did not live up to this obligation. I think this affected many of the scientists in a subtle sense, and it diminished their desire to continue to work on the bomb.
Leo SzilardRead
Even if we accept, as the basic tenet of true democracy, that one moron is equal to one genius, is it necessary to go a further step and hold that two morons are better than one genius?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the idea of democracy by questioning the equality of intelligence in decision-making.
Leo Szilard's quote highlights a potential flaw in democratic systems where the principle of equal voting rights can lead to the dominance of uninformed or less intelligent opinions over more knowledgeable ones. By suggesting that the opinions of two less informed individuals might outweigh that of a single genius, he raises concerns about whether a true democracy can function effectively when the majority may lack necessary understanding.
Themes
DemocracyIntelligenceDecision-MakingMajorityMoronsGenius
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to discuss the limits of democracy.
More from Leo Szilard
All quotes →I have been asked whether I would agree that the tragedy of the scientist is that he is able to bring about great advances in our knowledge, which mankind may then proceed to use for purposes of destruction. My answer is that this is not the tragedy of the scientist; it is the tragedy of mankind.
Leo SzilardRead
A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.
Leo SzilardRead
Those individuals who give moral considerations a much greater weight than considerations of expediency represent a comparatively small minority, five percent of the people perhaps. But, In spite of their numerical inferiority, they play a major role in our society because theirs is the voice of the conscience of society.
Leo SzilardRead
If one knows only what one is told, one does not know enough to be able to arrive at a well-balanced decision.
Leo SzilardRead
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