That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.
Ernest RutherfordRead
I must confess it was very unexpected and I am very startled at my metamorphosis into a chemist.
Interpretation
Ernest Rutherford expresses surprise at his transformation into a chemist, highlighting the unexpected nature of personal change and development.
In this quote, Ernest Rutherford reflects on his unexpected journey into the field of chemistry, illustrating that personal evolutions often occur without prior anticipation. His sentiment captures the essence of how life can lead us down unforeseen paths, challenging our initial perceptions and allowing growth into roles we might not have initially envisioned for ourselves.
In practice
During a science conference, I could use this quote to express how my career path took an unexpected turn.
That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.
The energy produced by the breaking down of the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformation of these atoms is talking moonshine.
I am a great believer in the simplicity of things and as you probably know I am inclined to hang on to broad & simple ideas like grim death until evidence is too strong for my tenacity.
All science is either physics or stamp collecting.
Now I know what the atom looks like.
If your result needs a statistician then you should design a better experiment.
Imagine the progress that could be made by gathering together the world's scientists, engineers, physicians, oncologists, epidemiologists and more in a super-team effort to end cancer.
Stone tools are fossilized human behavior.
True science teaches us to doubt and, in ignorance, to refrain.
You know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? - Medicine.
What we eat has changed more in the last 40 years than in the previous 40,000. The survival of the current food system depends upon widespread ignorance of how it really operates.
My dear Kepler, what would you say of the learned here, who, replete with the pertinacity of the asp, have steadfastly refused to cast a glance through the telescope? What shall we make of this? Shall we laugh, or shall we cry?
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