Wisdom worth sharing, words worth remembering.
Indeed the whole human species is endangered by nuclear weapons or by other means of wholesale destruction which further advances in science are likely to produce.
I did not imagine that the second half of my life would be spent on efforts to avert a mortal danger to humanity created by science.
I saw science as being in harmony with humanity.
From my earliest days I had a passion for science.
But the first the general public learned about the discovery was the news of the destruction of Hiroshima by the atom bomb. A splendid achievement of science and technology had turned malign. Science became identified with death and destruction.
At a time when science plays such a powerful role in the life of society when the destiny of the whole of mankind may hinge on the results of scientific research it is incumbent on all scientists to be fully conscious of that role and conduct themselves accordingly.
Several studies and a number of public statements by senior military and political personalities testify that – except for disputes between the present nuclear states – all military conflicts as well as threats to peace can be dealt with using conventional weapons.
My third appeal is to my fellow citizens in all countries: Help us to establish lasting peace in the world.
Let me remind you that nuclear disarmament is not just an ardent desire of the people as expressed in many resolutions of the United Nations. It is a legal commitment by the five official nuclear states entered into when they signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty.