The fact that no limits exist to the destructiveness of this weapon [the 'Super', i.e. the hydrogen bomb] makes its very existence and the knowledge of its construction a danger to humanity as a whole. It is necessarily an evil thing considered in any light. For these reasons, we believe it important for the President of the United States to tell the American public and the world what we think is wrong on fundamental ethical principles to initiate the development of such a weapon.

~ Enrico Fermi

Enrico Fermi American Atomic Bomb Belief Construction Danger Destruction Ethics Existence Fact Humanity Hydrogen Bomb Knowledge Nuke President Principles Public Reason United States Weapon Wrong

Whatever Nature has in store for mankind, unpleasant as it may be, men must accept, for ignorance is never better than knowledge.

~ Enrico Fermi

Enrico Fermi Acceptance Humanity Ignorance Knowledge Mankind Nature Pleasantness Unpleasant

One might be led to question whether the scientists acted wisely in presenting the statesmen of the world with this appalling problem. Actually there was no choice. Once basic knowledge is acquired, any attempt at preventing its fruition would be as futile as hoping to stop the earth from revolving around the sun.

~ Enrico Fermi

Enrico Fermi Atomic Power Choice Futility Hope Knowledge Prevention Science Scientists Splitting The Atom Statesmen Wisdom World

Before I came here, I was confused about this subject. Having listened to your lecture, I am still confused -- but on a higher level.

~ Enrico Fermi

Enrico Fermi Confusion Humor

It is no good to try to stop knowledge from going forward. Ignorance is never better than knowledge.

~ Enrico Fermi

Enrico Fermi Knowledge Ignorance Better

Ignorance is never better than knowledge.

~ Enrico Fermi

Enrico Fermi Ignorance Better Never