Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
About thirty years ago there was much talk that geologists ought only to observe and not theorise; and I well remember some one saying that at this rate a man might as well go into a gravel-pit and count the pebbles and describe the colours. How odd it is that anyone should not see that all observation must be for or against some view if it is to be of any service!
Interpretation
What this quote means
Observation in science must be guided by theory to be meaningful.
In this quote, Charles Darwin emphasizes the importance of theoretical frameworks in scientific observation. He argues that simply observing without a hypothesis or interpretation reduces the value of the observation, likening it to counting pebbles without understanding their significance. The quote underscores the need for a balance between empirical data and theoretical insight in the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Themes
ObservationTheoryScienceEvidenceInterpretation
In practice
Example use cases
In a scientific conference discussing the importance of formulating hypotheses.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes →The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
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I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
Charles DarwinRead
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
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I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
Charles DarwinRead
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Charles DarwinRead
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