Famous quote by Marcel Pagnol

"One has to look out for engineers - they begin with sewing machines and end up with the atomic bomb"

About this Quote

Marcel Pagnol’s statement highlights an ambivalence toward technological progress and the unintended consequences of human ingenuity, especially as embodied by engineers. The journey from the humble sewing machine to the devastating atomic bomb encapsulates the dual-edged nature of invention: what may start as a tool for improving daily life can ultimately escalate to something capable of unprecedented destruction.

Pagnol draws a direct line between mundane, even benevolent, creations and inventions of mass destruction, pointing to a slippery slope inherent in unchecked technological advancement. The sewing machine represents a positive milestone of industrial civilization, an advancement providing efficiency, convenience, and social transformation, especially for women and the working class. Yet, that same creative spirit and relentless pursuit of progress did not stop there; it inevitably ventured into territories with far more serious consequences.

Engineers, for Pagnol, are depicted as figures both admirable and potentially dangerous. Their problem-solving acumen, curiosity, and technical mastery propel society forward, but with every step, the ethical dimensions of their work become more complex. The atomic bomb, as the endpoint in his metaphor, is not merely a technological triumph, but also a symbol of profound moral anxiety. The bomb’s existence is the result of countless incremental advances, none of which, taken individually, forecasted such a cataclysmic end.

Pagnol’s remark is tinged with irony and caution. It serves as a reminder of the unforeseen consequences that may stem from even the noblest innovations. Progress, he suggests, carries an intrinsic risk: the potential mismatch between what humanity can achieve and what it should pursue. The quote asks us to consider the responsibilities of engineers and inventors, not just as creators, but as stewards, reminding society to remain vigilant, reflective, and critical as technology continues to shape the world in ways both wondrous and terrifying.

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About the Author

France Flag This quote is written / told by Marcel Pagnol between February 28, 1895 and April 18, 1974. He/she was a famous Dramatist from France. The author also have 4 other quotes.
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