My Promise

For six years I have prepared myself, through study and work, to acquire the knowledge of a branch of Engineering. My mind is ready; and my heart, spirited. Today I finally receive my diploma. As I receive it I ask myself what I will do with what I have learned, what use I will make of my knowledge. It is a special day, for I will decide the course I will give my professional life. For that reason, I want to make a promise, before future generations and before myself; and I want to put it in writing, so that my children may judge me by it.

I promise to use my knowledge for the sake of peace. I recognize that the capacity to study, know and modify nature through science and technology is a special and valuable quality that I will use only to seek the well-being, peace and progress of all human beings.

I accept my commitment to future generations. I declare that my goal is to help the generations that follow receive a better humanity, one that is scientifically, technologically and morally more advanced, and that works united, in a peaceful and prosperous way, for the well-being of all living beings, preserving the planet as a place fit for life.

I promise to respect freedom. I declare that I am convinced that no human being or people has the right to impose its social, political, economic, philosophical or religious system or ideas on any other human being or people. It is an inherent right of each individual to live his life freely, and according to his own convictions, respecting the same right in others.

I consider that war degrades man, and that no war—of whatever kind—will bear peace as its fruit. Therefore, I will not take part in any way in the invention, development, improvement or production of any kind of weapon or military equipment, nor will I collaborate with any war, genocide or repression, in any place or at any time.

I believe that science, engineering and technology must be sisters of peace.

This is my conviction, this is my promise, and I will devote my life to keeping it. I will live—and if necessary die—for peace, but I will never kill in its name.