QuoteProject
The real value of science is in the getting, and those who have tasted the pleasure of discovery alone know what science is. A problem solved is dead. A world without problems to be solved would be devoid of science.
Frederick Soddy
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Science is valuable for the joy of discovery, not just for solving problems.

Frederick Soddy emphasizes that the true essence of science lies in the excitement and fulfillment derived from the process of discovery. He argues that if all problems were solved, the drive for scientific inquiry and exploration would cease, stripping the world of scientific advancement.

Themes

ScienceDiscoveryPleasureProblemsValue

In practice

Example use cases

In a science class discussing the importance of experimentation.

More from Frederick Soddy

The fact remains that, if the supply of energy failed, modern civilization would come to an end as abruptly as does the music of an organ deprived of wind.
Frederick SoddyRead
The ruling passion of the age is to convert wealth into debt in order to_x000D_ derive a permanent future income from it - to convert wealth that perishes_x000D_ into debt that endures, debt that does not rot, costs nothing to maintain,_x000D_ and brings in perennial interest.
Frederick SoddyRead
Mankind has always drawn from outside sources of energy. This island was the first to harness coal and steam. But our present sources stand in the ratio of a million to one, compared with any previous sources. The release of atomic energy will change the whole structure of society.
Frederick SoddyRead

Similar quotes

In these days when science is clearly in the saddle and when our knowledge of disease is advancing at a breathless pace, we are apt to forget that not all can ride and that he also serves who waits and who applies what the horseman discovers.
Harvey CushingRead
Extra dimensional theories are sometimes considered science fiction with equations. I think that's a wrong attitude. I think extra dimensions are with us, they are with us to stay, and they entered physics a long time ago. They are not going to go away.
Leonard SusskindRead
The fact that all Mathematics is Symbolic Logic is one of the greatest discoveries of our age; and when this fact has been established, the remainder of the principles of mathematics consists of the analysis of Symbolic Logic itself.
Bertrand RussellRead
Everything great in science and art is simple. What can be less complicated than the greatest discoveries of humanity - gravitation, the compass, the printing press, the steam engine, the electric telegraph?
Jules VerneRead
I confess, that very different from you, I do find sometimes scientific inspiration in mysticism ... but this is counterbalanced by an immediate sense for mathematics.
Wolfgang PauliRead
Every formula which expresses a law of nature is a hymn of praise to God.
Maria MitchellRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.