The new and terrible dangers which man has created can only be controlled by man.
Interpretation
Humanity must take responsibility for the consequences of its creations.
This quote by John F. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of human agency in addressing the challenges and dangers that arise from our own inventions and actions. It suggests that while humanity is capable of creating significant advancements, we must also recognize our role in managing the risks and ethical implications that come with such power, necessitating thoughtful stewardship and proactive measures to ensure safety and well-being.
In practice
During a conference on technology ethics, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of responsible innovation.
The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
That proves you are unusual,' returned the Scarecrow; 'and I am convinced that the only people worthy of consideration in this world are the unusual ones. For the common folks are like the leaves of a tree, and live and die unnoticed.
Among the basic freedoms to which men aspire that their lives might be full and uncramped, freedom from fear stands out as both a means and an end. A people who would build a nation in which strong, democratic institutions are firmly established as a guarantee against state-induced power must first learn to liberate their own minds from apathy and fear.
The death penalty not only takes away the life of the person strapped to the table - it takes away a little bit of the humanity in each of us.
What was taken by force, can only be restored by force.
In reality, both religion and science are expressions of man's uncertainty. Perhaps the paradox is that certainty, whether it be in science or religion, is dangerous.
Everyone wants a prodigy to fail; it makes our mediocrity more bearable.
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