We need senators who have studied physics and representatives who understand ecology.
Vera RubinRead
In a spiral galaxy, the ratio of dark-to-light matter is about a factor of ten. That's probably a good number for the ratio of our ignorance-to-knowledge. We're out of kindergarten, but only in about third grade.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the vastness of what we don't know compared to what we do, likening our understanding of the universe to early education.
Vera Rubin compares the balance of dark and light matter in a spiral galaxy to our own understanding of knowledge and ignorance. She suggests that although we have made significant progress in learning about the universe, we are still at a very basic level of comprehension, much like students in third grade, highlighting the vast gaps in our knowledge and the importance of continuing to learn.
Themes
KnowledgeIgnoranceLearningScienceUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom discussion about the limits of human knowledge.
More from Vera Rubin
All quotes βNobody ever told us all matter radiated. We just assumed it did.
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There was just nothing as interesting in my life as watching the stars every night.
Vera RubinRead
I try to do my science in a moral way, and, I believe that, ideally, science should be looked upon as something that helps us understand our role in the universe.
Vera RubinRead
I had the usual friends who pointed out constellations of stars. But it really was watching the stars. It was getting some sense of the motion of the earth. I found it a remarkable thing.
Vera RubinRead
I think the question is, are there women and have there been women who want to do science and could be doing great science, but they never really got the opportunity?
Vera RubinRead
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