ATOMIC ENERGY AS A HUMAN ASSET? 
By ARTHuR H. COMPTON 
Chancellor, Washington University, St. Louis 
It is with high appreciation combined with a deep sense of humility 
that I accept tonight the Franklin Medal of the American Philosoph- 
ical Society. Coming as it does from my colleagues whose respect 
is to me a matter of the greatest value, you must know that this honor 
is most highly appreciated. Yet the inscription on the Franklin 
Medal reminds one of virtues which, though called for by the critical 
times through which we are passing, are scarcely to be found. Ben- 
jamin Franklin himself combined the qualities of scientist with those 
of statesman in unusual degree. Now, in the age of atomic energy, 
such a combination is needed by the world as never before. 
It is with diffidence that we who have been working on the techni- 
cal aspects of atomic energy present before a group of experts such 
as are here tonight our amateur thoughts with regard to its human 
implications. Yet action is needed, and only by boldly presenting 
our thoughts for discussion can a reasonable basis for such action be 
reached. 
The ability to release atomic energy gives mankind great new 
powers. These powers can be used for good or ill. ‘The first use of 
atomic energy was as a bomb whose explosion stopped short a tragic 
war with the probable net saving of some millions of lives. Its ter- 
rific military destructiveness has made it necessary for us to consider 
afresh how we may avoid future wars. The dramatic demonstra- 
tion of its explosive power has, however, drawn attention away from 
the significance of atomic energy to our industry, our habits of life, 
and our culture. It is in such peacetime consequences that atomic 
energy will eventually mean most to man. 
The atomic age has started as a period of keenest rivalry. The 
rivalry is between nations and social systems. The prize to be won 
is prosperity and world leadership. It can include peace and security. 
If only we agree to place war beyond the power of nations, the race 
is sure to make life of greater value. Such is the prospect of a world 
1 Franklin Medal Lecture, read November 16, 1945, in the Symposium on Atomic Energy 
and its Implications. Reprinted by permission from Proceedings of the American Philo- 
sophical Society, vol. 90, No. 1, January 1946. 
161 
