That which is not measurable is not science. That which is not physics is stamp collecting.
Ernest RutherfordRead
All science is either physics or stamp collecting.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote implies that all sciences ultimately stem from physics, while some areas are merely about gathering data without deeper understanding.
Ernest Rutherford's quote suggests a hierarchy within the scientific disciplines, arguing that true science revolves around the principles of physics. It contrasts active scientific inquiry with merely collecting facts or data, implying that gathering information without interpretation or underlying principles does not contribute to true scientific understanding. This reflects the importance of fundamental theories that connect different branches of science.
Themes
SciencePhysicsDataUnderstandingKnowledge
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on the importance of core scientific principles.
More from Ernest Rutherford
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