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While it is quite reasonable for scientists to be skeptical of new ideas that do not fit within the accepted realm of scientific knowledge, the best science often emerges from situations where results carefully obtained do not fit within the accepted paradigms.
Stanley B. Prusiner
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Scientific progress often originates from questioning existing beliefs and paradigms.

This quote by Stanley B. Prusiner highlights the importance of skepticism in science while also emphasizing that groundbreaking discoveries frequently arise when empirical evidence contradicts established theories. It suggests that being open to ideas that challenge the status quo is essential for scientific advancement.

Themes

ScienceParadigmSkepticismDiscoveryKnowledge

In practice

Example use cases

In a presentation about scientific breakthroughs, one might say, 'As Stanley B. Prusiner noted, sometimes the best science emerges from ideas that challenge the accepted norms.'

More from Stanley B. Prusiner

People often ask me why I persisted in doing research on a subject that was so controversial. I frequently respond by telling them that only a few scientists are granted the great fortune to pursue topics that are so new and different that only a small number of people can grasp the meaning of such discoveries initially.
Stanley B. PrusinerRead

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Quote by Stanley B. Prusiner | QuoteProject