With regard to these general aspects of the use of atomic energy, it is clear that we, as scientific men, have no proprietary rights. It is true that we are among the few citizens who have had occasion to give thoughtful consideration to these problems during the past few years. We have, however, no claim to special competence in solving the political, social, and military problems which are presented by the advent of atomic power. (16 juni 1945)
A scientist should assume responsibility for the fruits of his work. I would not argue against this, but it must be clear to all of us how very modest such assumption of responsibility can be, how very ineffective it has been in the past, how necessarily ineffective it will surely be in the future. ...)
The true responsibility of a scientist, as we all know, is to the integrity and vigor of his science.
It is a profound and necessary truth that the deep things in science are not found because they are useful, they are found because it was possible to find them.
