“Dalton’s records, carefully preserved for a century, were destroyed during the World War II bombing of Manchester. It is not only the living who are killed in war.”
- January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992
- Born in Russia
- Author, biochemist (professor)
- Wrote many science fiction works, including the Foundation series and the Robotics series
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Quote
“Dalton’s records, carefully preserved for a century, were destroyed during the World War II bombing of Manchester. It is not only the living who are killed in war.”
Explanation
In this quote, Asimov reflects on the destructive power of war, emphasizing that the loss of life is not the only, nor the most profound, consequence. The destruction of John Dalton’s records, which were carefully preserved for a century, symbolizes the irreparable loss of knowledge, culture, and history that occurs in times of conflict. Asimov highlights that while physical lives are lost, war also results in the destruction of intellectual heritage, scientific progress, and the future potential of humanity. This underscores the idea that the damage caused by war extends far beyond the battlefield and can affect human progress for generations.
Asimov, who lived through the aftermath of World War II, saw firsthand how the devastation of war could ripple through society, affecting not only the immediate survival of individuals but also the intellectual and cultural legacy of entire civilizations. His personal commitment to science and knowledge made him acutely aware of the importance of preserving the records of human progress, like Dalton’s work on atomic theory, which laid the groundwork for much of modern science. The destruction of these records during the bombing of Manchester was not just a physical loss, but a loss of collective memory and the continuity of human achievement.
In the modern world, Asimov’s quote resonates in the context of current conflicts and the continuing threat of global violence. Whether through the destruction of libraries, scientific data, or historical sites, the impact of war on human knowledge remains significant. As we face challenges like climate change, technological development, and geopolitical tensions, Asimov’s words serve as a reminder that the true cost of war is not only the lives lost but the irreplaceable knowledge and progress that can be destroyed in the process. The preservation of both cultural heritage and intellectual advancement becomes a crucial part of ensuring that humanity can continue to evolve and learn from its past.
