Edward Teller - Knowledge Quotes

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It is often claimed that knowledge multiplies so rapidly that nobody can follow it. I believe this is incorrect. At least in science it is not true. The main purpose of science is simplicity and as we understand more things, everything is becoming simpler. This, of course, goes contrary to what everyone accepts.

Edward Teller

There is no case where ignorance should be preferred to knowledge — especially if the knowledge is terrible.

Edward Teller

At the end of the war, most people wanted to stop. I didn't. Because here was more knowledge. And in the coming uncertain period, with a dangerous man like Stalin around, and our incomplete knowledge, I felt that more knowledge is necessary. Among the people who knew a great deal about the hydrogen bomb, I was the only advocate of it. And that is, I think, my contribution. Not that I invented it, others would have — and others in the Soviet Union did. But I was the one person who put knowledge, and the availability of knowledge, above everything else.

Edward Teller

Beyond the scientific responsibility to search the horizon of human knowledge, the responsibilities of scientists cannot be any greater than those of any other citizen in our democratic society. The consequences of scientific discoveries are the responsibility of the people.

Edward Teller