To solve a problem is to create new problems, new knowledge immediately reveals new areas of ignorance, and the need for new experiments. At least, in the field of fast reactions, the experiments do not take very long to perform.
Interpretation
Addressing one problem often leads to the discovery of additional problems and knowledge gaps.
George Porter’s quote emphasizes the iterative nature of knowledge acquisition and problem-solving. Each time we solve a problem, we uncover more questions and areas that require exploration, illustrating the ongoing cycle of learning and experimentation, particularly in scientific fields where new insights lead to further inquiry and challenges.
In practice
In a scientific conference discussing recent findings.
It is idle to expect any great advancement in science from the superinducing and engrafting of new things upon old. We must begin anew from the very foundations, unless we would revolve for ever in a circle with mean and contemptible progress.
I am an enthusiast, but not a crank in the sense that I have some pet theories as to the proper construction of a flying machine. I wish to avail myself of all that is already known and then, if possible, add my mite to help on the future worker who will attain final success.
My complaint is that there are more books and news articles than there are primary scientific papers. I am probably the biggest critic of the hypesters, because it's dangerous when fields get overhyped.
And there is a lot of idiosyncrasy. But there are also regularities and phenomena. And what the data is going to be able to do - if there's enough of it - is uncover, in the mess and the noise of the world, some lines of music that actually have harmony. It's there, somewhere.
After exponential quantities the circular functions, sine and cosine, should be considered because they arise when imaginary quantities are involved in the exponential.
Freedom is absolutely necessary for the progress in science and the liberal arts.
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