The quote "Safety is the last refuge of the scoundrel" from Michael Crichton's book "Timeline" highlights the idea that the obsession with safety can be a deceptive motive. It suggests that people may use the need for safety as an excuse to avoid responsibility or to justify dubious actions. In this context, safety becomes a cover for less noble intentions, allowing individuals or groups to manipulate situations to their advantage under the guise of protecting themselves or others.

Crichton's work often intertwines themes of ethics, technology, and human behavior, encouraging readers to question societal norms. This quote serves as a cautionary reminder against letting the pursuit of safety eclipse moral judgment, urging a deeper examination of the reasons behind actions taken in the name of protection. In essence, it challenges the reader to recognize when safety is genuinely warranted versus when it serves as a facade for selfish interests.