Where is everybody? Humans could theoretically colonize the galaxy in a million years or so, and if they could, astronauts from older civilizations could do the same. So why haven't they come to Earth?
Enrico FermiRead
Experimental confirmation of a prediction is merely a measurement. An experiment disproving a prediction is a discovery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Experiments validate predictions but finding a disproving result leads to new discoveries.
Enrico Fermi emphasizes the distinction between simply confirming existing theories through experimentation and the profound impact of discovering new knowledge when an experiment challenges a prediction. While measurement may reinforce our understanding, it is through failures or contradictions in our expectations that true innovation and insight occur, highlighting the importance of open-mindedness in scientific inquiry.
Themes
ExperimentPredictionDiscoveryScienceMeasurement
In practice
Example use cases
In a science class discussing the scientific method, this quote highlights the importance of both confirming and challenging predictions.
More from Enrico Fermi
All quotes βI remember my friend Johnny von Neumann used to say, 'with four parameters I can fit an elephant and with five I can make him wiggle his trunk.'
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The fact that no limits exist to the destructiveness of this weapon [the 'Super', i.e. the hydrogen bomb] makes its very existence and the knowledge of its construction a danger to humanity as a whole. It is necessarily an evil thing considered in any light. For these reasons, we believe it important for the President of the United States to tell the American public and the world what we think is wrong on fundamental ethical principles to initiate the development of such a weapon.
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Never underestimate the joy people derive from hearing something they already know.
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Whatever Nature has in store for mankind, unpleasant as it may be, men must accept, for ignorance is never better than knowledge.
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One might be led to question whether the scientists acted wisely in presenting the statesmen of the world with this appalling problem. Actually there was no choice. Once basic knowledge is acquired, any attempt at preventing its fruition would be as futile as hoping to stop the earth from revolving around the sun.
Enrico FermiRead
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