But of all the deadly theories by means of which you are now being destroyed, I would like to warn you about one of the deadliest and most crucial: the alleged dichotomy of science and ethics. It is the doctrine that man's science and ethics - or his knowledge and values, or his body and soul - are two separate, antagonistic aspects of his existence, and that man is caught between them, as a precarious, permanent traitor to their conflicting demands. Ayn Rand
About This Quote

This quote from Albert Einstein is a warning that the dichotomy of science and ethics will destroy mankind. The dichotomy of science and ethics popularizes the idea that science and ethics are in direct conflict with each other. In fact, this false dichotomy has been used to justify the immorality of many things, from abortion to capital punishment to wars to torture. If man were only a scientist, he would have no morals, no values, and no soul.

This would mean that man does not have a purpose in life and that there is no moral order in the world. Therefore, there is no need for a God or a higher power who would protect us from evil. Thus, man can be free to do whatever he wants without regard for the consequences.

Source: The Voice Of Reason: Essays In Objectivist Thought

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