A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind.
Albert Szent-GyorgyiRead
Knowledge is a sacred cow, and my problem will be how we can milk her while keeping clear of her horns.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowledge is valuable but comes with challenges that need to be managed wisely.
In this quote, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi uses the metaphor of a 'sacred cow' to illustrate the idea that knowledge is revered and holds great significance. However, he acknowledges that engaging with this knowledge presents difficulties, akin to milking a cow while avoiding its sharp horns. This emphasizes the need for careful navigation in the pursuit and application of knowledge, highlighting both its importance and potential hazards.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomChallengesMetaphorValue
In practice
Example use cases
In a talk about the importance of education, I might say, 'As Albert Szent-Gyorgyi noted, knowledge is a sacred cow...' to emphasize the value and challenges in learning.
More from Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
All quotes βScience has helped us to understand and master ourselves, creating an elevated new form of human life, the wealth and beauty of which cannot be pictured today by the keenest imagination.
Albert Szent-GyorgyiRead
I called it ignose, not knowing which carbohydrate it was. This name was turned down by my editor. 'God-nose' was not more successful, so in the end 'hexuronic acid' was agreed upon. To-day the substance is called 'ascorbic acid' and I will use this name.
Albert Szent-GyorgyiRead
It is impossible to encircle the hips of a girl with my right arm and hold her smile in my left hand, then proceed to study the two items separately. Similarly, we can not separate life from living matter, in order to study only living matter and its reactions. Inevitably, studying living matter and its reactions, we study life itself
Albert Szent-GyorgyiRead
Water is life's matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.
Albert Szent-GyorgyiRead
The real scientist is ready to bear privation and, if need be, starvation rather than let anyone dictate to him which direction his work must take.
Albert Szent-GyorgyiRead
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