Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
In a lot of scientists, the ratio of wonder to skepticism declines in time. That may be connected with the fact that in some fields-mathematics, physics, some others-the great discoveries are almost entirely made by youngsters.
Interpretation
What this quote means
As scientists gain experience, they may become more skeptical and less filled with wonder, whereas younger individuals often drive great discoveries.
Carl Sagan reflects on the relationship between age and curiosity in the scientific community. He suggests that as scientists grow older and accumulate knowledge, their initial sense of wonder tends to diminish, potentially leading to increased skepticism. This decline may explain why many groundbreaking discoveries are attributed to younger scientists, who approach their fields with fresh perspectives and a sense of awe that fuels their creativity and innovation.
Themes
ScienceWonderSkepticismDiscoveryCuriosity
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture about scientific innovation, I might quote Carl Sagan to emphasize the role of youthful curiosity in driving discovery.
More from Carl Sagan
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The hole in the ozone layer is a kind of skywriting. At first it seemed to spell out our continuing complacency before a witch's brew of deadly perils. But perhaps it really tells of a newfound talent to work together to protect the global environment.
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There is a reward structure in science that is very interesting: Our highest honors go to those who disprove the findings of the most revered among us. So Einstein is revered not just because he made so many fundamental contributions to science, but because he found an imperfection in the fundamental contribution of Isaac Newton.
Carl SaganRead
The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
Carl SaganRead
Similar quotes
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I've been thinking about the distorted view of science that prevails in our culture. I've been wondering about this, because our civilization is completely dependent on science and high technology, yet most of us are alienated from science.
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I always felt that a scientist owes the world only one thing, and that is the truth as he sees it. If the truth contradicts deeply held beliefs, that is too bad. Tact and diplomacy are fine in international relations, in politics, perhaps even in business; in science only one thing matters, and that is the facts.
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It is not a simple matter to differentiate unsuccessful from successful experiments. . . .[Most] work that is finally successful is the result of a series of unsuccessful tests in which difficulties are gradually eliminated.
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