Sì perché l'autorità dell'opinione di mille nelle scienze…
““ Sì perché l'autorità dell'opinione di mille nelle scienze non val per una scintilla di ragione di un solo, sì perché le presenti osservazioni spogliano d'autorità i decreti de' passati scrittori, i quali se vedute l'avessero, avrebbono diversamente determinato. For in the sciences the authority of thousands of opinions is not worth as much as one tiny spark of reason in an individual man. Besides, the modern observations deprive all former writers of any authority, since if they had seen what we see, they would have judged as we judge.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individual reason can outweigh the consensus of many, especially when evidence is new.
In simple terms: One mind can be more powerful than many.
Key Takeaway
Value critical thinking over blind tradition.
Themes
science
authority
reason
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- technological innovation
- education reform
Key Concepts
empiricism
critical analysis
individual insight
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance respect for tradition with new ideas?
- When should a single insight challenge established thought?
A Different Perspective
Mass consensus can still be valuable when evidence is weak.