This quote suggests that despite monumental advancements in science and technology, such as the splitting of the atom, human thought processes and perspectives have not evolved at the same pace. The splitting of the atom, which led to the creation of nuclear energy and atomic bombs, drastically changed our physical world and the way we live. However, despite these seismic shifts, our mental frameworks, prejudices, beliefs, and attitudes have remained largely unchanged.

The quote implies a dichotomy between technological progress and human mindset. While we have harnessed the power of the atom, we have not been able to significantly alter how we think and perceive the world. We still grapple with age-old issues such as prejudice, hatred, and conflict. This suggests that while we are capable of great scientific leaps, we are less adept at making similar strides in our emotional intelligence and collective wisdom.

In today’s context, the quote remains profoundly relevant. We live in an era of unprecedented technological advancement. From artificial intelligence to genetic engineering, our capabilities have never been greater. Yet, we continue to struggle with many of the same social, political, and ethical problems that have plagued humanity for centuries.

In terms of personal development, this quote can be interpreted as a call to action to evolve our thinking and adapt to the changing world. Just as we continually update our technologies, we must also update our mindsets. This could mean challenging our biases, being more open to new ideas, or making an effort to understand perspectives different from our own.

In essence, the quote is a reminder that true progress isn’t just about advancing our technologies, but also about advancing our thinking. It’s about recognizing that our outer world is a reflection of our inner world, and if we want to change the former, we must first change the latter.