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This is perhaps the most beautiful time in human history; it is really pregnant with all kinds of creative possibilities made possible by science and technology which now constitute the slave of man - if man is not enslaved by it.
Jonas Salk
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote highlights the potential of science and technology to enhance human creativity, while warning about the need for mindful use to avoid becoming enslaved by these advancements.

Jonas Salk emphasizes the unique and beautiful moment in human history where the advancements in science and technology present vast creative opportunities. However, he cautions that these tools must not dictate our lives; instead, humans should remain in control, as there is a danger of becoming enslaved by the very innovations meant to serve us.

Themes

TechnologyScienceCreativityHumanityControl

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about innovation in education, this quote can illustrate the balance of using technology responsibly.

More from Jonas Salk

It is always with excitement that I wake up in the morning wondering what my intuition will toss up to me, like gifts from the sea. I work with it and rely on it. It's my partner.
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Life is an error-making and an error-correctin g process, and nature in marking man's papers will grade him for wisdom as measured both by survival and by the quality of life of those who survive.
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In my view, art and the approach to life through art, using it as a vehicle for education and even for doing science is so vital that it is part of a great new revolution that is taking place. I believe we are entering a whole new epoch.
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There is hope in dreams, imagination, and in the courage of those who wish to make those dreams a reality.
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Reply when questioned on the safety of the polio vaccine he developed: It is safe, and you can't get safer than safe.
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I'm saying that we should trust our intuition. I believe that the principles of universal evolution are revealed to us through intuition. And I think that if we combine our intuition and our reason, we can respond in an evolutionary sound way to our problems.
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Quote by Jonas Salk | QuoteProject