Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
I am not very sceptical, β a frame of mind which I believe to be injurious to the progress of science. A good deal of scepticism in a scientific man is advisable to avoid much loss of time, but I have met with not a few men, who, I feel sure, have often thus been deterred from experiment or observations, which would have proved directly or indirectly serviceable .
Interpretation
What this quote means
Skepticism can hinder scientific progress, but a balanced approach is essential.
In this quote, Charles Darwin expresses his belief that while a certain level of skepticism is necessary in science to prevent wasted effort, being overly skeptical can actually impede important discoveries. He suggests that some scientists may hold back from conducting experiments or making observations that could lead to valuable insights due to excessive skepticism, implying that a more open-minded approach can facilitate scientific advancement.
Themes
SkepticismScienceProgressExperimentationObservation
In practice
Example use cases
A scientist might use this quote in a conference to discuss the importance of balancing skepticism with openness to new observations.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes βThe highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
Charles DarwinRead
I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
Charles DarwinRead
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
Charles DarwinRead
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
Charles DarwinRead
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Charles DarwinRead
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