Detroit evening times., 1945-10-31

POWER
BY Arthur
II. Compton

This is the third and final
chapter in a series of articles on
atomic energy bv Prof. Arthur II.
Compton. m ote I'd physicist and
Nobel Prize loianer. OhO helped
in the research leading 10 deUel-
opment OF the atomic bomb.
A TONIC power is just one
"A more step along the path of
chronological progress.
II may be the supreme gift
of physical science TO the mod
ern age. Clearly its value will
be determined by the use 10
which il is put.
1t is noteworthy. however,
that along with other technical
advances the effect of atomic
power is to force human society
into new patterns.
Let me note briefly three
such effects of technology on
society that are clearly recog-
niZabie.
THE society that is adapted
L for survival in the modern
world is one in which co-opera-
ton occurs between diverse
groups spread over large areas.
AS an example, consider the
atomic bomb project. in which
about a million people of all
types and descriptions and
spread throughout the nation
worked together TO achieve a
needed result that could only
be achieved by a great, co-ordi-
mated community.
O-The need for ever increas-
- ing training and education
at all levels of society. II is be-
cause of the mechanical skill OF
many millions of workers, the
know-how of our m any tech
nical men and the administra-
tive skill of our industrial and
military leaders that our coun-
try has come out ahead in this
war as in the last.
II is no diSparagement Of the
American engineers who have
done these great tasks 10 point
out that most of the new war
time developments that have
led TO victory, such as radar,
submarine detection, rockets,
and especially the atomic bomb,
have. had to be led by men
whose scientific knowledge is
far in advance of that supplied
by cur technical schools and in
dustries in the training of en-
gineerS.
To compete in the modern
world more people need more
training. Nor is this technical
training all that is required. OF
greater Importance is more
education for leadership.
In a democratic society that
is forced into a position of world
prominence, our citizens as well
as our leaders need 10 under
stand something about the prob
lens and human needs of all the
nations.
0-Only tn I society can be
- strong whose obJectives in
clude developing the full USE
fulness of all of its people in en-
riching the common life.
We have come to realize that
our greatest strength lies in the
m any millions of our citizens
who are working efficiently and
loyalty at the nations tasks
Widespread education, en-
couragement Of each individual
TO seek for the place e in the
game where he can play best,
opportunity for advancement
and leadership - all these have
helped TO strengthen our So
ciety.
In the new atomic age, when
social systems are going
through a fiercely competitive
phase, it is necessary for us TO
maintain our fullest strength.
This means that all possible
effort must be given to enable
every citizen of the country TO
contribute his best 10 the needs
of the nation.
The evolutionary law of the
survival of the fitteSt applies 10
societies as well as TO indivi-
duals. According to this law the
society of the future will in
evitably advance along these
lines of co-operativeness, of
education. and of promoting the
service of its individuals toward
the common welfare.
IF selfish interests or an i'll
L adapted form of government
should prevent our growth
along these lines, some other
nation or group that can de-
velop thus more rapidly will
pass us by.
You will note that these fac
tors which give strength TO So
ciety are precisely those that
characterize the highest type of
citizen.
Cooperation: He likes 10
work with others on a common
task.
Education He has learned 20
do his own useful task and to
share intelligently in solving
public problems.
Service: The central objective
of his life is TO contribute 10 the
common welfare the maximum
that his abilities make possible.
These also are the factors