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Over the past fifty years or so, scientists have allowed…

“Over the past fifty years or so, scientists have allowed the conventions of expression available to them to become entirely too confining, too confining. The insistence on bland impersonality and the widespread indifference to anything like the display of a unique human author in scientific…” quote by David Mermin
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“Over the past fifty years or so, scientists have allowed the conventions of expression available to them to become entirely too confining, too confining. The insistence on bland impersonality and the widespread indifference to anything like the display of a unique human author in scientific exposition, have transformed the reading of most scientific papers into an act of tedious drudgery.”

David Mermin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Scientific writing has become overly impersonal, making papers tedious to read.

In simple terms: Science writing is too bland.

Key Takeaway

Embrace personal voice.

Themes

communication science writing

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical thought‑provoking

When to use this quote

  • research papers
  • academic conferences
  • grant proposals

Key Concepts

authenticity engagement

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can scientists keep clarity while adding personality?
  • What benefits arise from more engaging scientific prose?
A Different Perspective

Balancing rigor with personality can be challenging.

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