At the heart of science lies discovery which involves a change in worldview. Discovery in science is possible only in societies which accord their citizens the freedom to pursue the truth where it may lead and which therefore have respect for different paths to that truth.

Today, Academies of Science use their influence around the world in support of human rights.

Science never gives up searching for truth, since it never claims to have achieved it.

[Intellectual courage is] the quality that allows one to believe in one's judgement in the face of disappointment and widespread skepticism. Intellectual courage is even rarer than physical courage.

Individual scientists like myself - and many more conspicuous - pointed to the dangers of radioactive fallout over Canada if we were to launch nuclear weapons to intercept incoming bombers.

Though we explore in a culturally-conditioned way, the reality we sketch is universal.

When, as we must often do, we fear science, we really fear ourselves. Human dignity is better served by embracing knowledge.