Two polar groups: at one pole we have the literary intellectuals, at the other scientists, and as the most representative, the physical scientists. Between the two a gulf of mutual incomprehension.
C.P. SnowRead
I was moving among two groups... who had almost ceased to communicate at all, who in intellectual, moral, and psychological climate had so little in common that... one might have crossed the ocean.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the disconnect and lack of communication between different social or intellectual groups.
C.P. Snow comments on the significant divide between two groups that, despite existing in the same environment, have drifted apart in terms of communication, understanding, and shared values. This highlights the barriers that can develop in society, leading to isolation and an inability to bridge differences, which can be detrimental to collaboration and progress.
Themes
CommunicationDiversityUnderstandingSocial DivideIntellectual Groups
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about bridging divides in society, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of fostering communication.
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