We must reason in natural philosophy not from what we hope, or even expect, but from what we perceive.
Humphry DavyRead
Nothing is so dangerous to the progress of the human mind than to assume that our views of science are ultimate, that there are no mysteries in nature, that our triumphs are complete and that there are no new worlds to conquer.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against the complacency that can come from believing we have fully understood science and nature.
Humphry Davy's quote emphasizes the importance of humility in the pursuit of knowledge. He cautions that when we assume our current scientific understanding is final, we close ourselves off to new discoveries and possibilities, stifling the progress of our intellect and the exploration of nature's mysteries. Acknowledging that there is always more to learn encourages continuous inquiry and advancement.
Themes
ScienceKnowledgeHumilityInquiryProgressUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on scientific progress, this quote can highlight the importance of ongoing research.
More from Humphry Davy
All quotes →Every discovery opens a new field for investigation of facts, shows us the imperfection of our theories. It has justly been said, that the greater the circle of light, the greater the boundary of darkness by which it is surrounded.
Humphry DavyRead
The whole language of nature informs us, that in animated beings there is something above our powers of investigation; something which employs, combines, and arranges the gross elements of matter - a spark of celestial fire, by which life is kindled and preserved, and which, if even the instruments it employs are indestructible in their essence, must itself, of necessity, be immortal.
Humphry DavyRead
The progression of physical science is much more connected with your prosperity than is usually imagined. You owe to experimental philosophy some of the most important and peculiar of your advantages. It is not by foreign conquests chiefly that you are become great, but by a conquest of nature in your own country.
Humphry DavyRead
Geology, perhaps more than any other department of natural philosophy, is a science of contemplation. It requires no experience or complicated apparatus, no minute processes upon the unknown processes of matter. It demands only an enquiring mind and senses alive to the facts almost everywhere presented in nature. And as it may be acquired without much difficulty, so it may be improved without much painful exertion.
Humphry DavyRead
To me there never has been a higher source of honour or distinction than that connected with advances in science. I have not possessed enough of the eagle in my character to make a direct flight to the loftiest altitudes in the social world; and I certainly never endeavored to reach those heights by using the creeping powers of the reptile, who in ascending, generally chooses the dirtiest path, because it is the easiest.
Humphry DavyRead
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