Unfortunately what is little recognized is that the most worthwhile scientific books are those in which the author clearly indicates what he does not know; for an author most hurts his readers by concealing difficulties.
Evariste GaloisRead
The analysts try in vain to conceal the fact that they do not deduce: they combine, they compose ... when they do arrive at the truth they stumble over it after groping their way along.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the nature of analysis and discovery, implying that true understanding often comes unexpectedly rather than through systematic deduction.
Evariste Galois suggests that analysts may attempt to hide their lack of direct deduction in their work. Instead of straightforwardly deriving truths, they combine information and generate new ideas. Ultimately, their discoveries are often stumbled upon rather than explicitly formulated, highlighting a more organic and accidental process of arriving at knowledge.
Themes
AnalysisTruthKnowledgeDiscoveryUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the nature of scientific inquiry, one could quote Galois to emphasize how breakthroughs can happen unexpectedly.
More from Evariste Galois
All quotes →Similar quotes
Here's what I advise any young struggling actress today: The important thing is to develop as a woman first, and a performer second. You wouldn't prostitute yourself to get a part, not if_x000D_ you're in the right mind. You won't be happy, whatever you do, unless you're comfortable with your own conscience.
Lucille BallRead
The Word of God is like a lion. You don't have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.
Charles SpurgeonRead
A little thought and a little kindness are often worth more than a great deal of money.
John RuskinRead
I know, perhaps as well as anyone, what depression means, and what it is to feel myself sinking lower and lower. Yet at the worst, when I reach the lowest depths, I have an inward peace which no pain or depression can in the least disturb. Trusting in Jesus Christ my Savior, there is still a blessed quietness in the deep caverns of my soul.
Charles SpurgeonRead
Trust not yourself, but your defects to know, make use of every friend and every foe.
Alexander PopeRead
Lack of confidence is what makes you want to change somebody else's mind. When you're OK, you don't need to convince anyone else in order to empower yourself.
Jada Pinkett SmithRead