Leo Szilard

democratic principle idiot genius democracy

“I'm all in favor of the democratic principle that one idiot is as good as one genius, but I draw the line when someone takes the next step and concludes that two idiots are better than one genius.”

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

succeed world clever earlier success smart

“If you want to succeed in the world, you don't have to be much cleverer than other people. You just have to be one day earlier.”

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

three stages truth scientist science

“Three stages of truth for scientists:

(1) It's not true.

(2) If it is true, it's not very important.

(3) We knew it all along.”

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

scientist aim colleague discussion persuade clarify

“A scientist's aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.”

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

The ten commandments according to Leó Szilárd

“The ten commandments according to Leó Szilárd:

1. Recognize the connections of things and laws of conduct of men, so that you may know what you are doing.

2. Let your acts be directed toward a worthy goal, but do not ask if they will reach it; they are to be models and examples, not means to an end.

3. Speak to all men as you do to yourself, with no concern for the effect you make, so that you do not shut them out from your world; lest in isolation the meaning of life slips out of sight and you lose the belief in the perfection of creation.

4. Do not destroy what you cannot create.

5. Touch no dish, except that you are hungry.

6. Do not covet what you cannot have.

7. Do not lie without need.

8. Honor children. Listen reverently to their words and speak to them with infinite love.

9.Do your work for six years; but in the seventh, go into solitude or among strangers, so that the memory of your friends does not hinder you from being what you have become.

10. Lead your life with a gentle hand and be ready to leave whenever you are called."

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

tragedy scientist advances knowledge destruction mankind

"I have been asked whether I would agree that the tragedy of the scientist is that he is able to bring about great advances in our knowledge, which mankind may then proceed to use for purposes of destruction. My answer is that this is not the tragedy of the scientist; it is the tragedy of mankind."

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

assume infinite ignorance unlimited intelligence

"You may assume infinite ignorance and unlimited intelligence."

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

market wisdom

"I'm looking for a market for wisdom."

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

pronouncement expert cannot be done

"Pronouncement of experts to the effect that something cannot be done has always irritated me."

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

scientist colleague true politician why

"When a scientist says something, his colleagues must ask themselves only whether it is true. When a politician says something, his colleagues must first of all ask, 'Why does he say it?"

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)

important step problem solving recognize problem recognition

"The most important step in getting a job done is the recognition of the problem. Once I recognize a problem I usually can think of someone who can work it out better than I could."

― Leo Szilard (1898-1964)