Has there ever been a society which has died of dissent? Several have died of conformity in our lifetime.
Jacob BronowskiRead
There is no absolute knowledge. And those who claim it, whether they are scientists or dogmatists, open the door to tragedy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that claiming to possess absolute knowledge can lead to negative consequences.
Jacob Bronowski highlights the dangers of dogmatism and the pursuit of absolute certainty in knowledge. He asserts that both scientists and those with rigid beliefs can fall into the trap of thinking they possess the ultimate truth, which can result in detrimental outcomes. This warning reflects the importance of humility and open-mindedness in the quest for understanding and truth.
Themes
KnowledgeDogmatismTruthHumilityScience
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about scientific theories, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for open-mindedness.
More from Jacob Bronowski
All quotes βTo me the most interesting thing about man is that he is an animal who practices art and science and in every known society practices both together.
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A man becomes creative, whether he is an artist or scientist, when he finds a new unity in the variety of nature. He does so by finding a likeness between things which were not thought alike before.
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The values by which we are to survive are not rules for just and unjust conduct, but are those deeper illuminations in whose light justice and injustice, good and evil, means and ends are seen in fearful sharpness of outline.
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The basis for poetry and scientific discovery is the ability to comprehend the unlike in the like and the like in the unlike.
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The world today is made, it is powered by science; and for any man to abdicate an interest in science is to walk with open eyes towards slavery.
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