You can hardly convince a man of error in a life-time, but…
“You can hardly convince a man of error in a life-time, but must content yourself with the reflection that the progress of science is slow. If he is not convinced, his grand-children may be. The geologists tell us that it took one hundred years to prove that fossils are organic, and one hundred and fifty more, to prove that they are not to be referred to the Noachian deluge.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scientific progress is slow; future generations may accept ideas current people reject.
In simple terms: Science takes time; future may see truth.
Key Takeaway
Patience in scientific discovery.
Themes
science
progress
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- research
- public discourse
Key Concepts
epistemology
history of science
Questions to Reflect On
- What can accelerate acceptance?
- How to balance skepticism and openness?
A Different Perspective
Change meets resistance.