I have oft-times been besought, by divers gentlemen, to set down on paper what I have beheld through my newly invented microscopia, but I have generally declined.
Antonie Van LeeuwenhoekRead
People who look for the first time through a microscope say, 'Now I see this, and then I see that,' and even a skilled observer can be fooled. On these observations I have spent more time than many will believe, but I have done them with joy, and I have taken no notice of those who have said, 'Why take so much trouble,' and, 'What good is it?'
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the joy of discovery despite skepticism from others.
Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek emphasizes the thrill and significance of scientific observation and discovery, particularly through the use of a microscope. He highlights that the journey of exploration and understanding outweighs the doubts and criticisms of those who may not value the effort put into such observations.
Themes
DiscoveryScienceObservationCuriosityJoy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote is perfect for a science fair to inspire students to appreciate their experiments.
More from Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek
All quotes →[M]y work, which I've done for a long time, was not pursued in order to gain the praise I now enjoy, but chiefly from a craving after knowledge, which I notice resides in me more than in most other men. And therewithal, whenever I found out anything remarkable, I have thought it my duty to put down my discovery on paper, so that all ingenious people might be informed thereof.
Antonie Van LeeuwenhoekRead
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