Science has to be understood in its broadest sense, as a method for apprehending all observable reality, and not merely as an instrument for acquiring specialized knowledge.
Interpretation
Science is a comprehensive approach to understanding the world, beyond just specialized knowledge.
In this quote, Alexis Carrel emphasizes the importance of viewing science not merely as a tool for gaining specific information, but as a fundamental method of comprehending the entirety of observable reality. This broader perspective encourages an appreciation for the interconnectedness of knowledge and the relevance of scientific inquiry in various aspects of life.
In practice
During a lecture on scientific methodology, one might use this quote to illustrate the broader implications of scientific research.
Man offers himself to God. He stands before Him like the canvas before the painter or the marble before the sculptor. At the same time he asks for His grace, expresses his needs and those of his brothers in suffering. Such a type of prayer demands complete renovation. The modest, the ignorant, and the poor are more capable of this self-denial than the rich and the intellectual.
Hard conditions of life are indispensable to bringing out the best in human personality.
A few observation and much reasoning lead to error; many observations and a little reasoning to truth.
The first duty of society is to give each of its members the possibility of fulfilling his destiny. When it becomes incapable of performing this duty it must be transformed.
Discipline brings us effort, sacrifice and suffering. Later it brings us something of an inestimable value: something of which those who live only for pleasure, profit or amusement will always be deprived. This peculiar indefinable joy which one must have felt oneself to understand is the sign with which life marks its moment of triumph.
Those who desire to rise as high as our human condition allows, must renounce intellectual pride, the omnipotence of clear thinking, belief in the absolute power of logic.
[Bacteria are the] dark matter of the biological world [with 4 million mostly unknown species in a ton of soil].
Climate change is the 800-pound gorilla in the living room that the media dances around. But in the scientific community, it's a settled question: 95 percent of scientists believe this is happening with 100 percent confidence temperatures are rising.
Brain studies of mental workouts in which you sustain a single, chosen focus show that the more you detach from what's distracting you and refocus on what you should be paying attention to, the stronger this brain circuitry becomes.
The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.
Yes, I am the last man to have walked on the moon, and that's a very dubious and disappointing honor. It's been far too long.
It is my supposition that the Universe in not only queerer than we imagine, is queerer than we can imagine.
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