Original artwork, not a still
Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
— Jurassic Park · 1993
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
This is the film's thesis in one sentence: the question is not whether science can do something but whether it should. Malcolm's point is about responsibility, not about fear of dinosaurs, which is why the line outlived the franchise. It turns up in every debate about cloning, AI and reckless product launches, usually from someone about to be proved right.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Jurassic ParkShow the scene
At the lunch in the visitor centre, Malcolm has already told Hammond that genetic power is the most awesome force the planet has seen, and that his scientists wield it like a kid who has found his dad's gun. Hammond protests that his team has done things nobody has ever done before. Malcolm answers with this line. Hammond then argues that a flock of condors would be fine, and Malcolm insists that the dinosaurs had their shot and nature selected them for extinction.
Sources (3)
- Jurassic Park Film Transcript (Jurassic Park Wiki)lunch scene debateReference checked
- Jurassic Park (film) (Wikiquote)Ian MalcolmReference checked
- Jurassic Park (film) (Wikipedia)PlotReference checked
Context reviewed
