If we estimate dignity by immediate usefulness, agriculture is undoubtedly the first and noblest science.
Samuel JohnsonRead
It seems to be a general rule that sciences begin their development with the unusual. They have to develop considerable sophistication before they interest themselves in the commonplace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Scientific progress often starts with unique or unusual phenomena before focusing on more ordinary aspects.
Ralph Linton's quote suggests that the initial stages of scientific inquiry are driven by the exploration of unusual or exceptional cases, which captivates interest and fosters the development of sophisticated theories and concepts. Only after mastering these complexities do scientists turn their attention towards more mundane or commonplace elements, reflecting a progression from novelty to normality in the advancement of knowledge.
Themes
ScienceDevelopmentUnusualSophisticationCommonplace
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to inspire students in a science class to embrace curiosity and innovation.
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