Nothing ever gets settled in this town. a seething debating society in which the debate never stops, in which people never give up, including me. And so that's the atmosphere in which you administer.
George P. ShultzRead
What we want is scientists who don't become part of the policy discussion: All they do is produce science. If someone becomes an advocate, then I won't pay as much attention to their science.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Scientists should remain impartial and focus on producing objective science rather than engaging in policy debates.
In this quote, George P. Shultz emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity and neutrality of scientific research. He argues that when scientists become advocates for specific policies, their objectivity can be compromised, making their scientific contributions less credible. The quote reflects a concern for the public perception of science and the role scientists should play in societal issues.
Themes
ScienceObjectivityPolicyIntegrityAdvocacy
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on climate change, this quote could be used to remind policymakers of the need for unbiased scientific input.
More from George P. Shultz
All quotes →If they are too big to fail, make them smaller.
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He who walks in the middle of the roads gets hit from both sides.
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The minute you start talking about what you're going to do if you lose, you have lost.
George P. ShultzRead
I want my grandchildren to be proud of me. That's the main thing.
George P. ShultzRead
Increasingly, the state system has been eroding. Terrorists have exploited this weakness by burrowing into the state system in order to attack it.
George P. ShultzRead
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