No one may have the guts to say this, but if we could make better human beings by knowing how to add genes, why shouldn't we?
James D. WatsonRead
Polls consistently show that the majority of Americans favour research using embryonic stem cells and yet politicians continue to pander to the outspoken religious minority that is hampering efforts to develop this potentially valuable technology.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the conflict between public opinion favoring embryonic stem cell research and the influence of a vocal religious minority against it.
James D. Watson's quote addresses the disparity between the majority of Americans who support embryonic stem cell research and the politicians who cater to a small but vocal group of religious individuals opposing this scientific advancement. This situation can hinder the progression of potentially groundbreaking medical technologies that could improve lives and drive scientific innovation.
Themes
Stem Cell ResearchPoliticsSciencePublic OpinionReligion
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on healthcare policy, this quote can illustrate the tension between scientific progress and political decision-making.
More from James D. Watson
All quotes →I think the reason people are dealing with science less well now than 50 years ago is that it has become so complicated.
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DNA was my only gold rush. I regarded DNA as worth a gold rush.
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Science has always been my preoccupation and when you think a breakthrough is possible, it is terribly exciting.
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If you go into science, I think you better go in with a dream that maybe you, too, will get a Nobel Prize. It's not that I went in and I thought I was very bright and I was going to get one, but I'll confess, you know, I knew what it was.
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Take young researchers, put them together in virtual seclusion, give them an unprecedented degree of freedom and turn up the pressure by fostering competitiveness.
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