Otto Hahn

Chemistry Germany 1879 – 1968 99 quotes

He discovered nuclear fission with Lise Meitner, earning the Nobel Prize in chemistry.

Quotes by Otto Hahn

We were not looking for uranium fission, but for transuranic elements.

Interview/Memoirs 1938

The splitting of the uranium nucleus was an unexpected and revolutionary discovery.

Scientific publication/Speech 1939

I am horrified by the thought that my discovery could lead to such terrible weapons.

Interview/Letter 1945

The discovery of nuclear fission was a purely scientific endeavor, not a military one.

Speech 1946

As a scientist, one is responsible for the consequences of one's discoveries.

Speech/Writing 1950

My greatest wish is that nuclear energy will be used for peaceful purposes only.

Interview 1955

The atomic bomb is a terrible thing, but it is also a warning to humanity.

Letter/Interview 1945

Science should serve humanity, not destroy it.

Speech 1950

The responsibility of the scientist is immense.

Writing 1950

I never intended to build a bomb.

Interview 1945

The discovery of nuclear fission was a stroke of luck, but also the result of hard work.

Speech/Writing 1939

Lise Meitner was an indispensable collaborator.

Memoirs 1950

The Nobel Prize was a great honor, but also a heavy burden.

Interview 1946

I always tried to do my best, both as a scientist and as a human being.

Memoirs 1960

The future of humanity depends on how we use nuclear energy.

Speech 1955

My life's work has been a journey of discovery.

Memoirs 1960

The pursuit of knowledge is a noble endeavor.

Writing 1950

We must never forget the lessons of history.

Speech 1960

The world needs peace, not war.

Speech 1950

I am a chemist, not a politician.

Interview 1945