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In the experimental sciences, the epochs of the most brilliant progress are almost always separated by long intervals of almost absolute repose.
Francois Arago
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Scientific progress often occurs in bursts, interspersed with long periods of stagnation.

Francois Arago highlights that in the field of experimental sciences, significant advancements tend to come in sudden bursts, but these breakthroughs are typically preceded and followed by lengthy periods of little activity or progress. This suggests that innovation and discovery are often not continuous processes but rather punctuated by phases of rest or inactivity, reflecting the complexities of scientific research and its inherent rhythm.

Themes

Scientific ProgressInnovationCreativityDiscovery

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on scientific advancement, one might mention this quote to illustrate the nature of breakthroughs.

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