Science is a way to not fool ourselves.
Carl SaganRead
Science is a collaborative enterprise, spanning the generations. When it permits us to see the far side of some new horizon, we remember those who prepared the way - seeing for them also.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Science is a collective effort that builds on the work of previous generations, allowing us to gain new insights and perspectives.
This quote highlights the essence of scientific inquiry as a collaborative pursuit that transcends individual contributions. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging past scientists and thinkers who have paved the way for current discoveries, reminding us that our advancements are built on the collective knowledge of those who came before us. The metaphor of seeing 'the far side of some new horizon' suggests that scientific progress opens up new frontiers, while also paying homage to the legacy of those who have contributed to our understanding.
Themes
ScienceCollaborationGenerationsLegacyDiscovery
In practice
Example use cases
In a scientific presentation to honor the contributions of predecessors.
More from Carl Sagan
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The hole in the ozone layer is a kind of skywriting. At first it seemed to spell out our continuing complacency before a witch's brew of deadly perils. But perhaps it really tells of a newfound talent to work together to protect the global environment.
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There is a reward structure in science that is very interesting: Our highest honors go to those who disprove the findings of the most revered among us. So Einstein is revered not just because he made so many fundamental contributions to science, but because he found an imperfection in the fundamental contribution of Isaac Newton.
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The simplest thought, like the concept of the number one, has an elaborate logical underpinning.
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