[The human control of atomic energy could] virtually provide anyone who wanted it with a private sun of his own.

There has been no discovery like it in the history of man. It puts into man's hands the key to using the fundamental energy of the universe.

Man cannot influence in this respect the atomic forces of Nature.

Scientific men can hardly escape the charge of ignorance with regard to the precise effect of the impact of modern science upon the mode of living of the people and upon their civilisation.

The pure air and dazzling snow belong to things beyond the reach of all personal feeling, almost beyond the reach of life.

[The blame for the future 'plight of civilization] must rest on scientific men, equally with others, for being incapable of accepting the responsibility for the profound social upheavals which their own work primarily has brought about in human relationships.

The fact remains that, if the supply of energy failed, modern civilization would come to an end as abruptly as does the music of an organ deprived of wind.