That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.
Ernest RutherfordRead
Should a young scientist working with me come to me after two years of such work and ask me what to do next, I would advise him to get out of science. After two years of work, if a man does not know what to do next, he will never make a real scientist.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Persistence and clarity in purpose are essential for a successful scientific career.
This quote emphasizes the importance of having a clear direction and understanding of one's work in science. If a scientist has spent two years in research and still lacks a vision for their future, it suggests they may not possess the necessary drive or clarity of thought required to thrive in the scientific community. Success in science relies on both persistence and the ability to navigate one's path forward.
Themes
ScienceCareerScientistPersistenceDirection
In practice
Example use cases
A mentor giving advice to a graduate student contemplating their future in academia.
More from Ernest Rutherford
All quotes βThe energy produced by the breaking down of the atom is a very poor kind of thing. Anyone who expects a source of power from the transformation of these atoms is talking moonshine.
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I am a great believer in the simplicity of things and as you probably know I am inclined to hang on to broad & simple ideas like grim death until evidence is too strong for my tenacity.
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All science is either physics or stamp collecting.
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Now I know what the atom looks like.
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If your result needs a statistician then you should design a better experiment.
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