The way to see what looks good and understand the reasons it looks good, and to be at one with this goodness as the work proceeds, is to cultivate an inner quietness, a peace of mind so that goodness can shine through.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The real purpose of the scientific method is to make sure nature hasn’t misled you into thinking you know something you actually don’t know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The scientific method is designed to ensure our understanding of nature is accurate and not based on misconceptions.
Robert M. Pirsig emphasizes the importance of the scientific method in distinguishing true knowledge from false beliefs. It serves as a critical tool to prevent us from being misled by our assumptions about nature, encouraging a rigorous and systematic approach to discovery and understanding.
Themes
Scientific MethodKnowledgeNatureMisconceptionTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on the importance of scientific inquiry during a seminar.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
All quotes →When analytic thought, the knife, is applied to experience, something is always killed in the process.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The Buddha resides as comfortably in the circuits of a digital computer or the gears of a cycle transmission as he does at the top of a mountain.
Robert M. PirsigRead
It's better not to see than to see wrongly.
Robert M. PirsigRead
The truth knocks on the door and you say, go away, I'm looking for the truth, and it goes away. Puzzling.
Robert M. PirsigRead
You want to know how to paint a perfect painting? It's easy. Make yourself perfect and then just paint naturally.
Robert M. PirsigRead
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Just one living cell in the human body is, more complex than New York City.
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