At issue is not only knowledge of the world but our…
“At issue is not only knowledge of the world but our survival as individuals and as a species. All the basic technologies ever invented by humans to feed and protect themselves depend on a relentless commitment to hard-nosed empiricism: you cannot assume that your arrowheads will pierce the hide of a bison or that your raft will float just because the omens are propitious and you have been given supernatural reassurance that they will. You have to be sure.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human survival depends on rigorous, evidence‑based testing of technologies, not on superstition or intuition.
In simple terms: We must test ideas scientifically to survive.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize data‑driven decisions.
Themes
science
survival
technology
empiricism
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- medical research
- engineering projects
- public policy
Key Concepts
critical thinking
risk assessment
innovation management
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance speed and safety?
- When is intuition acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Empirical methods can be costly and time‑consuming.