We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Stephen HawkingRead
Throughout history, people have studied pure science from a desire to understand the universe rather than practical applications for commercial gain. But their discoveries later turned out to have great practical benefits.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Pure science often emerges from curiosity and the pursuit of understanding, leading to practical benefits over time.
This quote by Stephen Hawking highlights the intrinsic human desire to explore and comprehend the universe through pure science, which is often driven by curiosity rather than immediate practical applications. It suggests that while the motivation may not initially focus on commercial gain, the discoveries made through such explorations can eventually result in significant practical benefits for society, underscoring the value of science as a pursuit of knowledge.
Themes
ScienceCuriosityUnderstandingDiscoveriesBenefits
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture about the importance of scientific research, one could quote Hawking to emphasize the long-term benefits of pure science.
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It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. Its a crazy world out there. Be curious.
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I was not a good student. I did not spend much time at college; I was too busy enjoying myself.
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The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any other century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technological-technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science. Clearly, no scientist better represents those advances than Albert Einstein: TIME's Person of the Century.
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In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind.
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