Every student who enters upon a scientific pursuit, especially if at a somewhat advanced period of life, will find not only that he has much to learn, but much also to unlearn.
Interpretation
Scientific pursuits require both learning new concepts and letting go of outdated beliefs.
This quote emphasizes the duality of the learning process in science, illustrating that, in addition to acquiring new knowledge, students often must also discard old perceptions or misconceptions that hinder their understanding. John Herschel acknowledges the complex nature of education, especially for those who may have preconceived ideas that need to be reevaluated as they delve deeper into scientific exploration.
In practice
During a lecture on scientific methodology, this quote can highlight the importance of openness to new ideas.
Almost all the greatest discoveries in astronomy have resulted from what we have elsewhere termed Residual Phenomena, of a qualitative or numerical kind, of such portions of the numerical or quantitative results of observation as remain outstanding and unaccounted for, after subducting and allowing for all that would result from the strict application of known principles.
...Nature builds up her refined and invisible architecture, with a delicacy eluding our conception, yet with a symmetry and beauty which we are never weary of admiring.
To the natural philosopher, there is no natural object unimportant or trifling. From the least of Nature's works he may learn the greatest lessons.
Of course humans like to explore, and we should. There's nothing wrong with that. But it's more than that. It's essential for your children and your children's children.
When you revolutionize education, you're taking the very mechanism of how people be smarter and do new things, and you're priming the pump for so many incredible things.
New knowledge is the most valuable commodity on earth. The more truth we have to work with, the richer we become.
You teach your daughters the diameters of the planets and wonder when you are done that they do not delight in your company.
We are in effect enculturating kids from the very beginning to see women and girls as not taking up half of the space.
America thrived in the 20th century because we made high school free. We sent a generation to college. We cultivated the most educated workforce in the world.
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