False facts are highly injurious to the progress of…
“False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long; but false views, if supported by some evidence, do little harm, for every one takes a salutary pleasure in proving their falseness.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
False facts harm scientific progress, but false theories backed by evidence cause little damage because people enjoy disproving them.
In simple terms: Wrong facts hurt science; false theories are less harmful.
Key Takeaway
Focus on correcting facts, not just theories.
Themes
science
error
knowledge
Mood
inquisitive
skeptical
Type
analytical
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- public policy
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance correcting facts vs. theories?
- What motivates people to debunk falsehoods?
A Different Perspective
Some false theories can mislead if widely accepted.