If a conclusion is not poetically balanced, it cannot be scientifically true.
Interpretation
Truth in science must align with the harmony of poetry.
This quote by Isaac Asimov suggests that for a conclusion to be considered truly valid in a scientific context, it must also possess a certain aesthetic balance and coherence similar to that found in poetry. Asimov emphasizes the interconnectedness of art and science, implying that pure reasoning must resonate with human experience and emotion to be deemed true and meaningful.
In practice
During a lecture on the importance of creativity in scientific discoveries.
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.
A subtle thought that is in error may yet give rise to fruitful inquiry that can establish truths of great value.
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.
The secret was such an old one now, had so grown into me and become a part of myself, that I could not tear it away.
For after all, what is there behind, except money? Money for the right kind of education, money for influential friends, money for leisure and peace of mind, money for trips to Italy. Money writes books, money sells them. Give me not righteousness, O lord, give me money, only money.
It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone or seated in your shop ... while buying or selling ... or even while cooking.
Everybody is special. Everybody. Everybody is a hero, a lover, a fool, a villain. Everybody. Everybody has their story to tell.
As nations we should also commit afresh to righting past wrongs. In Australia we began this recently with the first Australians - the oldest continuing culture in human history. On behalf of the Australian Parliament, this year I offered an apology to indigenous Australians for the wrongs they had suffered in the past.
I had the feeling . . . that my experience was very different from other peopleβs. (Are we all under this illusion?)
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