I think we should stop using nuclear power plants because it's
I think we should stop using nuclear power plants because it's an old system that we can't control.
In these grave and cautionary words, Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary storyteller and artist, speaks not merely of technology, but of hubris and the fragile balance between humankind and nature. By saying, “We should stop using nuclear power plants because it's an old system that we can't control,” he warns against the arrogance of believing we can fully command forces greater than ourselves. Nuclear power, though born of brilliance, carries with it the shadow of destruction, for it harnesses the same energy that fuels the stars. When mishandled or struck by disaster, it can bring suffering beyond the limits of imagination.
The origin of Miyazaki’s words lies in the history of his homeland, Japan, a nation marked by both the promise and peril of nuclear energy. His statement came in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi disaster of 2011, when an earthquake and tsunami crippled a nuclear plant, releasing radiation and displacing countless lives. This tragedy echoed the older scars of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where nuclear power was first unleashed as a weapon of war. For Miyazaki, these events were not isolated incidents, but warnings from history itself: that humanity’s creations can spiral beyond its grasp.
History has shown time and again that systems built on uncontrollable power invite calamity. In ancient times, the myth of Icarus told of a boy who flew too close to the sun on wings of wax, ignoring his father’s warnings. His fall was a metaphor for human ambition unchecked by wisdom. In our modern age, nuclear energy is our sun, dazzling and potent, but dangerous when pursued without humility. Just as Icarus fell, so too can societies falter when they believe their mastery over nature is complete.
Miyazaki’s words also touch upon the idea of legacy. Nuclear power plants, with their long-lasting waste and potential for disaster, leave a burden for future generations to bear. The ancients built monuments and temples that stood as gifts to those who came after them, symbols of reverence and continuity. In contrast, an uncontrolled nuclear system becomes a curse, forcing descendants to manage the mistakes of their forebears. Thus, his plea is not only for safety, but for the honor of leaving the world better than we found it.
Ultimately, this quote is a call to wisdom and restraint. It reminds us that not all progress is true advancement, and that some paths, once walked, lead only to ruin. Miyazaki urges humanity to seek harmony with nature rather than domination over it, to embrace innovation that nurtures life rather than endangers it. Let his teaching be passed down through the ages: when faced with forces beyond our control, the greatest strength lies not in clinging to power, but in the courage to let go.
MMM Mr
Miyazaki’s comment brings a sense of urgency to the conversation about nuclear energy. With ongoing advancements in renewable energy technologies, do we really need to continue relying on nuclear power, especially with its potential risks and uncontrollable nature? Is it time for a serious reevaluation of the energy systems we depend on and their potential dangers? How do we move toward a future where our energy sources are both sustainable and safe?
MDMii Dayy
Miyazaki’s perspective challenges us to think about the long-term consequences of using outdated technology like nuclear power. As the world moves towards more environmentally friendly energy solutions, should we be investing more in innovations that are safer and more adaptable? How can we ensure that we’re not compromising future generations’ safety and environment by clinging to older, less controllable systems?
TLThanh Lich
This quote from Hayao Miyazaki highlights an important problem—nuclear power plants are an aging system, and their safety and reliability are increasingly questioned. But what’s the alternative? While renewable energy options like solar and wind are growing, they still face challenges in terms of consistency and storage. How do we balance the need for clean energy with the risks of outdated infrastructure?
PUNguyen Bui Phuong Uyen
Miyazaki brings up an important issue about the limitations of our control over nuclear energy. With the growing concerns around climate change, many argue that we need to keep nuclear power as a necessary tool. But Miyazaki’s point makes me question: can we continue using a system that has proven to be so vulnerable to failure? Are we putting too much trust in a technology that might be outdated or too risky?
QNQuynh Nguyen
Hayao Miyazaki’s statement raises a critical concern about the sustainability and safety of nuclear power. Given the dangers we've seen with past disasters, is it time to acknowledge that we may no longer have the technological control needed for such a powerful and risky energy source? Can we truly afford to continue relying on nuclear power when we can explore safer, more sustainable alternatives?