To stop short in any research that bids fair to widen the gates of knowledge, to recoil from fear of difficulty or adverse criticism, is to bring reproach on science. There is nothing for the investigator to do but go straight on, 'to explore up and down, inch by inch, with the taper his reason;' to follow the light wherever it may lead, even should it at times resemble a will-o'-the-wisp.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of perseverance in research despite challenges and criticism.
William Crookes conveys that scientific inquiry is a journey that requires relentless pursuit and exploration, urging researchers not to shy away from difficult questions or the potential for negative feedback. He highlights that to truly advance knowledge, one must follow their reasoning and insights, even if the path is uncertain or fraught with misconceptions.
In practice
This quote can inspire students during a science fair where they face challenges in their projects.
...Nature-the word that stands for the baffling mysteries of the Universe. Steadily, unflinchingly, we strive to pierce the inmost heart of Nature, from what she is to reconstruct what she has been, and to prophesy what she yet shall be. Veil after veil we have lifted, and her face grows more beautiful, august, and wonderful, with every barrier that is withdrawn.
Mathematics as a science, commenced when first someone, probably a Greek, proved propositions about "any" things or about "some" things, without specifications of definite particular things.
I'm afraid that it's not possible to design a defense against every conceivable threat that you can think of.
Science does not promise absolute truth, nor does it consider that such a thing necessarily exists. Science does not even promise that everything in the Universe is amenable to the scientific process.
It is not just that science and technology are possible means of great human satisfaction, as well as a matrix of complex dominations. Cyborg imagery can suggest a way out of the maze of dualisms in which we have explained our bodies and our tools to ourselves.
The history of science shows that theories are perishable. With every new truth that is revealed we get a better understanding of Nature and our conceptions and views are modified.
When scientifically investigating the natural world, the only thing worse than a blind believer is a seeing denier.
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