Really, one of us ought to have the courage to call the experiment off and shoulder the responsibility for the decision, but the majority reckons that that kind of courage would be a sign of cowardice, and the first step in a retreat. They think it would mean an undignified surrender for mankind- as if there was any dignity in floundering and drowning in what we don't understand and never will...
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Lem argues that stopping a dangerous experiment requires true courage, even if others see it as cowardice or surrender.
- In plain terms
- It takes bravery to quit a bad plan, even if people think quitting is weak.
- What can you take from it?
- True courage sometimes means stopping a harmful course of action despite social pressure.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is stopping the brave choice?
- Who decides if a risk is worth taking?
Another view
Sometimes continuing a difficult path is necessary for long-term survival.
More from Stanislaw Lem
You are only a puppet. But you don't realize that you are.
Permalink to quote #11 If man had more of a sense of humor, things might have turned out differently.
Permalink to quote #13 A man who for an entire week does nothing but hit himself over the head has little reason to be proud.
Permalink to quote #10
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