A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
Interpretation
Even incorrect ideas can lead to valuable discoveries through thoughtful exploration.
This quote by Isaac Asimov emphasizes the importance of inquiry and critical thinking. It suggests that even if a thought or idea starts off as mistaken, it can provoke questions and discussions that may lead to significant truths and insights, highlighting the value of examination and exploration in the pursuit of knowledge.
In practice
During a class discussion on scientific discoveries, this quote can be shared to encourage students to explore unconventional ideas.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people into the world, the value of life not only declines, but it disappears. It doesn't matter if someone dies.
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.
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation.
Although the time of death is approaching me, I am not afraid of dying and going to Hell or (what would be considerably worse) going to the popularized version of Heaven. I expect death to be nothingness and, for removing me from all possible fears of death, I am thankful to atheism.
During the century after Newton, it was still possible for a man of unusual attainments to master all fields of scientific knowledge. But by 1800, this had become entirely impracticable.
To bring about destruction by overcrowding, mass starvation, anarchy, the destruction of our most cherished values, there is no need to do anything. We need only do nothing except what comes naturally, and breed. And how easy it is to do nothing
The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. And the harder we lean, the stronger we grow spiritually, even while our bodies waste away.
When we really connect to that place of wisdom and strength and understanding, everything becomes easier.
Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.
In a good bookroom you feel in some mysterious way that you are absorbing the wisdom contained in all the books through your skin, without even opening them.
It doesn't matter if a cat is black or white, so long as it catches mice.
If your friend wishes to read your 'Plutarch's Lives,' 'Shakespeare,' or 'The Federalist Papers,' tell him gently but firmly, to buy a copy. You will lend him your car or your coat - but your books are as much a part of you as your head or your heart.
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