That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.
Ernest RutherfordRead
An alleged scientific discovery has no merit unless it can be explained to a barmaid.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Scientific discoveries should be easily understandable to everyone, regardless of their background.
Ernest Rutherford's quote emphasizes the importance of clear communication in science. He suggests that if a scientific discovery is only understandable to experts, it lacks true merit; knowledge should be accessible to all, including those without formal education in the field. This highlights the role of simplicity and clarity in conveying complex ideas, making science more inclusive and comprehensible.
Themes
ScienceCommunicationUnderstandingDiscoveryClarity
In practice
Example use cases
In a public science lecture aimed at a general audience, a speaker might use this quote to emphasize the need for clear explanations.
More from Ernest Rutherford
All quotes βThe energy produced by the breaking down of the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformation of these atoms is talking moonshine.
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I am a great believer in the simplicity of things and as you probably know I am inclined to hang on to broad & simple ideas like grim death until evidence is too strong for my tenacity.
Ernest RutherfordRead
All science is either physics or stamp collecting.
Ernest RutherfordRead
Now I know what the atom looks like.
Ernest RutherfordRead
If your result needs a statistician then you should design a better experiment.
Ernest RutherfordRead
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