QuoteProject
To solve a problem is to create new problems, new knowledge immediately reveals new areas of ignorance, and the need for new experiments. At least, in the field of fast reactions, the experiments do not take very long to perform.
George Porter
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Addressing one problem often leads to the discovery of additional problems and knowledge gaps.

George Porter’s quote emphasizes the iterative nature of knowledge acquisition and problem-solving. Each time we solve a problem, we uncover more questions and areas that require exploration, illustrating the ongoing cycle of learning and experimentation, particularly in scientific fields where new insights lead to further inquiry and challenges.

Themes

KnowledgeProblemsExperimentsIgnoranceScience

In practice

Example use cases

In a scientific conference discussing recent findings.

Similar quotes

If the fate of the universe was decided in a single moment at the instant of the Big Bang , that was the most creative moment of all.
Deepak ChopraRead
The best scientist is open to experience and begins with romance - the idea that anything is possible.
Ray BradburyRead
Fantasy is the impossible made probable. Science Fiction is the improbable made possible.
Rod SerlingRead
Genome design is going to be a key part of the future. That's why we need fast, cheap, accurate DNA synthesis, so you can make a lot of iterations of something and test them.
Craig VenterRead
The only useful function of a statistician is to make predictions, and thus to provide a basis for action.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Some solutions are relatively simple and would provide economic benefits: implementing measures to conserve energy, putting a price on carbon through taxes and cap-and-trade and shifting from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy sources.
David SuzukiRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.